Goa health minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday said that all adults -- everyone above the age of 18 in the state -- will be given the Ivermectin antiparasitic drug irrespective of their coronavirus disease (Covid-19) status. According to the FDA, Ivermectin is a veterinary drug, often used in the US to treat or prevent parasites in animals. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses), as such, but its use in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) treatment is an unconventional application, according to experts. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned against the use of Ivermectin for Covid-19, except within clinical trials. The minister said this treatment would not prevent Covid-19 infection but it can help reduce the severity of the disease.

Source: Hindustan Times May 11, 2021 07:29 UTC