Calamities call for iodised salt intake, Centre tells States

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Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 9: Calamity-hit States have been advised to be on the alert for the outbreak of iodine-deficiency diseases. Both climatic volatility and unexpected natural calamities could deplete the natural iodine content in soil, especially in land-locked States, says a recent report by the Union health ministry.

In a communique to all State governments and Union Territories, the ministry has alerted the possibility of outbreak of diseases like goitre. This would call for preventive measures like ramping up the consumption of iodised salt.

Even States with long coastline like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are urged that they should not be caught napping. Although exposure to sea could improve the iodine content in soil, the same States also have people living on inland hilly slopes, where iodine shortage could be waiting round the corner. Following the ravage of Dengue, Chikungunya and other viral fevers, resistance to diseases is feared to be on a low point in South India this year.

In children, iodine deficiency could cause mental retardation, memory-loss and goitre. In pregnant women, it could manifest as miscarriages.

A six-month long campaign will be launched through primary health centres in various States, says the Union health ministry's directive.