In its drive against vector-borne diseases in the district, the health department is all set to step up its anti-larvae activities for prevention of spread of dengue and chikungunya before the start of the rainy season. Civil Surgeon Dr. Manjit Singh held a meeting with health supervisors of the district and directed them to conduct surprise checks especially in dengue-prone areas so that the deadly disease can be prevented before the start of the rainy season.Giving details, he said that the July is being observed as Anti Dengue Month in the district. Awareness activities like sensitization workshops, awareness camps, quiz contests in schools etc, will be organised by the health department in rural as well as urban areas for maximum awareness generation. He said that it is better to take preventive measures before seasonal diseases take shape of outbreak.Dr. Manjit Singh instructed the health supervisors to give priority to areas where cases of dengue larvae had come to light in the past. He asked the health supervisors to coordinate with Municipal Corporation authorities for checking mosquito breeding. He said those found guilty, will be challenged for violations and monetary fine will be imposed on them.
Elaborating about the disease, he said dengue is transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquito which usually targets in the day time. He said that severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscles and joint pains are symptoms of the disease. Further, he added that Aedes mosquito breeds in desert coolers, water storage containers, tires, overhead tanks and many more places where rainwater collects or is stored. He appealed to the people that all water storage containers should be kept covered, besides old tires, broken pots, crockery should be removed. He advised the people to put insecticides, petrol and kerosene in coolers, containers etc once a week, which can't be emptied or cleaned. District Epidemiologist Dr. Shalinder Kaur focused upon high risk areas for dengue breeding. She said that areas like urban Mohali, Zirakpur where majority of the cases were found last year, should be prioritized. She appealed to the people to observe Friday as Dry Day so that dengue can be prevented before transmission.