Four Bonda Tribals Recover In Odisha’s Malkangiri

Malkangiri: Four out of the 12 persons belonging to the primitive vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) Bonda of Malkangiri district who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered from the viral infection.

“Four persons have recovered from COVID-19 and the remaining eight patients are in home isolation as they are all mild cases. Health condition of the affected persons is being closely monitored by our rapid response team (RRT) and required medicines are being given,” medical officer of Khairaput Hospital, Debabrata Barik said.

According to the officer, while the first case of COVID-19 among Bondas was recorded on April 26, it rose to 12 by May 13.

Bondas are one of the ancient tribes of Odisha and are divided into two groups, the Lower Bonda and the Upper Bonda. While lower Bondas live on the foothills of Bonda hills, the Upper tribals mostly untouched by modern civilization live in the hill range spread over 130 sq km in 32 villages under Mudulipada and Andrahal panchayats of Khairaput block.

However, with a population a little over 6,000, last year, the Bondas had remained unaffected by the viral disease.

Meanwhile, officials said that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that the viral disease doesn’t spread to villages resided by the Bonda’s.

“While weekly markets have been already closed, the Bonda’s are being made aware about the precautionary measures required to be taken against Covid-19. We are hopeful to stop the spread of virus at Bonda hill,” project director, district rural development agency, Malkangiri, Balamukunda Bhuyan said.

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