Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district administration has informed that there is no need to be panic about coronavirus (2019-nCov) even though a positive case has been detected in Kerala.

Addressing the reporters here on Friday, January 31, Dakshina Kannada district Deputy Commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh said, “There were a lot of apprehensions about coronavirus, but one should not believe such fake propaganda being spread on social media. The people should not panic about the outbreak as no case has been detected in our district. However, the district administration has already taken all appropriate measures to ensure that no one gets infected with the disease.”

District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Ramakrishna Rao clarified that there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nVOv infection and there is no vaccine also for the prevention of the disease. “The signs and symptoms of the disease are coughing, fever, pneumonia, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhoea. Precautionary measures to be undertaken are washing hands often with soap and water, avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when ill, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash,” he said.

The DHO also informed that as the coronavirus was first reported in China, people who had travelled to and from the country should be very careful to ensure that they are not infected by the virus. “If people are confused about the virus, they can approach the health department for more information,” he added.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr Selvamani R, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC)  Commissioner Shanady Ajith Kumar Hegde and others were present.