The Department of Public Health Ramanathapuram has launched a massive awareness campaign and preventive measures to contain it ahead of the north-east monsoon which arrives in these parts in September-October.
The department has drawn out a comprehensive plan to create awareness of the fever caused by dengue virus and the need to keep the surroundings clean and free of receptacles that can catch water which become ideal sources for breeding the dreaded Aedes mosquitoes. P. Kumaragurubaran, Deputy Director of Health Services, said that at a recent meeting, heads of government schools and primary health centres (PHCs) were asked to set up ‘dengue awareness stalls’ and display materials that bred Aedes larvae.
Materials such as worn-out tyres, broken bottles, plastic cups, polythene bags, egg shells, coconut shells and tender coconut shells served as ideal sources for Aedes mosquitoes, he said and appealed to the public to be wary of these materials near home. “Stagnation of a mere 20 ml of water in these materials will be enough for the Aedes larvae to grow,” Dr. Kumaragurubaran said.
Domestic breeding checkers and mazdoors had been pressed into service for door-to-door checking, fogging and chlorination of water tanks and wells. People should clean water tanks once a fortnight, he said.
Though incidence of dengue fever might be slightly up this year compared to last year, it was well under control in the district, he said.
The Siddha wing has made available ‘nilavembu’concoction in all PHCs as it helped in improving the immune system and increase platelets in blood. The department had provided Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) powder to schools and anganwadis to be given to children, he added.
Joining hands with the Department of Public Health, the District Legal Services Authority organised a dengue awareness camp on the district court premises in Ramanathapuram on Friday. Principal District Judge A. Kayalvizhi inaugurated the camp and distributed ‘nilavembu kashayam’ to the staff and those who attended the camp. Dr Kumaragurubaran and Dr. Meenakshi Sundaram, Deputy Directors, explained how vector-borne disease spread and precautionary measures to be taken. A short film was screened to educate the public about how Aedes mosquitoes bred.
Source : The Hindu