: People living in tribal hamlets in Kodaikanal hills in the district do not have any symptoms of tick bites on their hands and legs, entomologists said.
A team of entomologists was deputed from the Institute of Vector control and Zoonoses,Hosur,after numerous complaints of tick bites to ascertain if people had the symptoms, which normally spreads from Indian Gaurs and cattle.
The team examined people who ventured deep into the forest and said they did not have any tick bite. Blood samples were collected from some villagers and discussions held with local forest and health department officials.
Velayutham,a local body functionary, said the team met
Residents at Kumbraiyur,Pulathur and Manapavu. The villagers were using the juice of some herbs to ward off tick attacks. The team would submit its report to the government, he said.
Meanwhile Deputy Director of Health Services K Varadharajan said Primary Health Centres and sub-centres in lower Kodaikanal had sufficient stock of medicine to treat tick bite and that the villagers were being monitored.
