In a pickle: Andhra Mango pickle maker tests positive for coronavirus, spreads panic among Telangana villagers

Naveen S Garewal
Tribune News Service
Hyderabad, June 2

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A local pickle maker’s famous Andhra pickle (pachadi) is fast turning into an administrative nightmare for district authorities of Telangana’s Mahbubnagar.

It all started in May when the sarpanch of Kollur village in Telangana’s Mahbubnagar District decided to distribute a quintal of mango pickle to over 10 families on May 19.

A relative of the sapranch and the pickle maker tested positive for COVID-19 days later, setting off panic as fears of spread of COVID-19 soon took hold of the village.

District authorities said they were keeping a close watch on the situation, and that there was no need to panic.

Nawabpet Mandal Medical Officer Dr Vijaya Laxmi said: “The fear is understandable. Some 14 persons have been put under home quarantine and are being screened for any influenza like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) symptoms twice a day. So far, everyone is doing well. There will be continuous observation.”

District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) also said there was no need to panic.

“After two men tested positive for the coronavirus, there were some fears among the people about infection. There is no need to be afraid, concerned officers on the ground are taking necessary measures,” he said.