Excerpts:
Suraj Nandrekar: Doctor Utkarsh, Goans are now worried after the fresh cases of Cholera and Diarrhea at Mobor, Malim and Cutbona. Can we consider this as another big threat coming our way after COVID?
Dr Utkarsh: See, I cannot say that but talking of Cholera and diarrhea it can surely spread if the labourers who are symptomatic or asymptomatic move around they can spread the bacteria.
SN: So the question arises here fish is our staple diet, can these diseases spread through fish which come from jetties?
Dr Utkarsh: I do not know much about that you will have to ask the Fisheries department or other experts. As far as I know, some shellfish already do have Vibrio Cholera, which we regularly consume. Secondly, if there is any other bacteria it will be killed if it is cooked well.
SN: What is the reason for the spike in cases at mobor after a week of no positive cases?
Dr Utkarsh: Well, the bacteria’s presence is there in the locality so we cannot say that the outbreak is over until the last case is treated and a month after that when there are no positive cases. Similar to COVID-19. But here some new labourers may been infected from other areas, who came on trawlers recently arrived.
SN: So how do we control this outbreak?
Dr Utkarsh: This can only be done with prevention and proper hygiene. Last week 30 toilets have been installed but they have to be used by labourers. Besides, the areas have to be sanitised and labourers have to follow the practice of cleanliness and handwashing. Of Course, this cannot be done in one day. ADD is a human-to-human transmission which will take time for eradication unlike malaria which can be finished by killing the breeding grounds. Having said that, every department be it fisheries, health or boat owners association they have been doing what is required and overcome this outbreak.
SN: Doctor, you spoke about the new labourers who arrived. What tests are being done on them to see that they do not carry the symptoms?
Dr Utkarsh: Firstly, the Health Dept is testing them for malaria at arrival and then they are being asked about symptoms like vomiting or loose motions. If any of these symptoms are found they are treated. The State government has also issued SoPs for the purpose.
SN: What preventions can people take to avoid being infected?
Dr Utkarsh: I think people will have to follow the same preventive measures we did during the COVID-19 epidemic. We have to maintain proper hygiene and wash our hands regularly, especially after going to the toilets. We need to cook fish properly before consuming it.
