In the wake of Japanese Encephalitis taking lives of over 50 kids in Malkangiri district, the Paralakhemundi Municipality authorities on Friday decided to drive away all pigs from the town.
Notably, Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted from pigs to human beings through mosquito bites.
“There is a possibility of outbreak of the Japanese Encephalitis as around 1,200 pigs are being reared by people in the municipality area. All owners will be asked to shift their pigs to distant places,” said municipality Executive Officer Ashok Kumar Rout.
However, the district health administration is yet to take any awareness programme on possible outbreak of the disease.
When contacted, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Gajapati Purnachandra Kora said an action plan would be decided after end of Puja vacation on October 17. Awareness programmes would be held in both urban and rural areas across the district, he said.