Ayalkoottam groups to sensitise people on Zika virus in Vazhakulam

Move comes a week after a health worker in panchayat testing positive for disease

Kudumbashree’s ‘ayalkoottam’ neighbourhood groups have been formed to create awareness on Zika virus and coordinate measures to check the spread of the disease in Vazhakulam panchayat. The move comes a week after a health worker residing in the panchayat was tested positive for the disease. The panchayat authorities in association with health officials have stepped up vigil in all the wards. “We are now focussing at the ward-level by forming cluster groups involving ayalkoottam members to sensitise people on the impact of the Zika virus. These groups will work closely with panchayat and health officials to check the infection,” said C. K Gopalakrishnan, president of the panchayat. The samples of the family members of the health worker were sent to the regional unit of the National Institute of Virology in Alappuzha. “The panchayat has initiated mosquito control measures including fogging and spraying larvicides in drains as part of the drive to check mosquito menace,” said Mr. Gopalakrishnan.