Dr Thajuddeen K., associate professor, department of medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, has said that people must avoid eating street food that is unhygienic. He instructed Radio Sarang listeners during the live phone-in programme here on July 21.

Dr Thajuddeen K. said: "Mangalore is notorious for many vector-borne diseases. It is important to drink clean water. In Mangalore, particularly, we must drink hot water. If we drink clean water, we can avoid 40 per cent of contagious diseases." He said that if we drink clean water there is no possibility of contracting Hepatitis, Cholera and other diseases.

Answering a query from a listener regarding zika virus, Dr Thajuddeen said that the virus has been there for the last 70 odd years. "Zika virus is not as deadly as corona virus. Hence, we must not panic. People must take care to be aware of the symptoms and take precautions."

He also instructed the audience to take particular care during the rainy season. "One's health is in one's hands. It is not in the hands of the doctors. Hence, all must take care of their health, especially during the rainy season when we are susceptible to viruses," he added. 

Roshan Crasta interviewed Dr Thajudeen. This programmew was part of the Ruralr Drinking Water and Sanitisation department of Karnataka State Government sponsored project.