Ganderbal, May 23, KNT: Chief Medical Officer Ganderbal Dr. Bashir Ahmad Khan on Saturday urged people not to panic over Viral Meningitis cases reported from parts of the district, saying those affected had been treated and the health department was closely monitoring the situation.
“There is no need to panic. Those who had suffered have been treated. People should take necessary precautions, but there is no need to panic,” Dr. Khan told KNT.
The CMO’s reassurance comes amid preventive surveillance and monitoring by the district health department in certain areas of Ganderbal.
According to Dr. Khan, health authorities are maintaining close watch and have already activated field-level monitoring and awareness measures to prevent the spread of illness and ensure early reporting of symptoms.
An earlier communication issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer Ganderbal under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme had flagged Viral Meningitis cases from Bela Wussan, Haripora, Angipora and adjoining villages in Block Kangan.
The communication stated that on May 12, seven patients from different areas had been admitted for treatment, including three at District Hospital Ganderbal and four at SKIMS Soura Srinagar.
Dr Khan said a Rapid Response Team along with local health staff visited affected areas and conducted Information, Education and Communication activities focused on disease prevention and containment.
The CMO office has asked educational authorities to direct government and private schools across the district to monitor the situation and report suspected symptoms without delay.
Dr. Bashir Ahmad Khan reiterated that while precautions and awareness remain important, the public should not panic as the situation is under surveillance and necessary medical response measures are in place. [KNT]
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