Mahakalpara: A large number of labourers from Odisha who were working in Kerala, returned to the state after Nipah virus has been reported from the southern Indian state.
As per reports, a large number of the Odia migrant workers are based in Kerala, working with various companies, hotels and brick-kilns.
However, the rapid spread of Nipah virus in Kerala has created fear among the workers and many of them opted to return home.
However, the locals are now suspecting that some of the migrant workers might be carrying the Nipah virus. They fear the virus would soon spread in their areas.
Meanwhile, as many as 12 migrant workers from Bahakud village under this block in Kendrapara district, who were working in Kerala returned home Tuesday.
They include Sheikh Firoz (23), Sheikh Akbar (22), Sheikh Jalal (27), Sheikh Karim (21), Gurupad Das (20), Ashok Behera (24), Satyaban Behera (27), Sheikh Azzarudin (27) and Deepak Behera.
“The deadly disease is mostly seen in Kannur, Kozikhode, Thiruvanathapuram and and Alwaye areas. So, the companies allowed us to return home after the intervention of the administration. Steps are being taken to tackle the disease,” said Azzarudin, adding that most of the Odia youths are based in these areas.
Meanwhile, the local sarpanch urged the returned people to check their health to avoid the spread of diseases in the locality.
However, Kendrapara Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) said no case of the virus has been reported and steps are being taken to tackle the disease. He assured the locals not to panic.
PNN
