Doctor gets show cause notice for alleged misinformation creating panic

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation health department has issued a show cause notice to an infectious disease expert doctor for allegedly spreading misinformation creating panic amongst the public, officials said. PMC health department issues show cause notice to infectious disease expert doctor for allegedly spreading misinformation creating panic amongst the public. ) Despite the patient being tested positive for West Nile Fever in the tropical fever panel test, the information was conveyed late to PMC, which resulted in delay in sending blood samples of the patient’s close contacts to NIV and conducting anti-mosquito measures and fogging at the location.” According to officials, samples of four persons, including the suspected 48-year-old male, his 47-year-old wife and 16-year-old and 7-year-old daughters, were sent to the NIV on October 1, and the results were negative for the infection. When the health department requested information about patients with severe symptoms of chikungunya in letters sent on September 23 and September 30, no response has been received till date from the doctor.” Dr Dighe said a written explanation has been sought within two days of receiving the notice as to why action should not be taken for violating the Epidemic Diseases Act and why no proceedings should be initiated against the doctor with the Maharashtra Medical Council.