Following the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, Aashika Jain, during the review meeting of waterborne and vector borne diseases, the District Health Department has once again appealed to the people not to let water stagnate anywhere in and around their homes and to wear full body covering clothes.
Civil Surgeon Dr Mahesh Kumar Aahuja and District Epidemiologist Dr Shalinder Kaur said that everyone needs to take precautions to prevent this deadly disease. If for some reason dengue fever occurs, there is no need to panic. The patient should visit the nearby government health facility where dengue test and treatment is absolutely free.
While soliciting cooperation and support of the people for the prevention of dengue, health officials said that only with the help of the people could the district be made dengue-free. She informed that the inspection and awareness campaign by the teams of District Health Department for the prevention of Dengue fever has been going on continuously since the month of March across the district.
They said health teams are regularly checking coolers, fridge trays, pots, empty tires, boxes and other containers etc. The survey and awareness campaign in all the health blocks of the district is going on in full swing.
For any information, the health department's helpline number 104 can be contacted. The civil surgeon said, ‘It is important to understand that many are simple fevers that can be treated at home.
Normally, platelet count goes down with most of the viral fevers and all the viral fevers should not be taken as dengue fevers. In case of dengue fever, good intake of fluids, healthy home food and complete bed rest is required.”
He added that dengue patients have high fever for five to six days. Platelet count may drop after the fever ceases. He asserted that goat milk, kiwi fruit or coconut water do not help in increasing platelets in any way.
The patient should consume a maximum amount of fluids like water, juice, lemon water, and coconut water etc. He added, ‘Drink at least two liters of water daily which is also beneficial for a normal healthy person.
Fluids not only prevent dehydration but also provide essential nutrients to the body.”
Dengue Symptoms
Sudden high fever.
Severe headaches.
Pain behind eyes
Severe joint and muscle pain.
Skin rash
Fatigue
Nausea
vomiting
Do’s
Remove water from coolers and other small containers at least once a week.
Keep overhead tanks covered
Drain off water from the back tray of the refrigerator every week.
Use mosquito nets or mosquito repellents while sleeping during daytime.
Emptying and drying of water storage utensils on a weekly basis is important.
Keep surroundings clean and dry to prevent mosquito breeding.
Dispose of plastic, coconut shells and empty tins and cans.
Spray insecticides on outdoor containers and water puddles in and around your home.
Dont’s
Do not wear clothes that expose your arms and legs.
Children should not be allowed to play in shorts and half sleeved clothes.
Do not allow water to stagnate in bird feeding pots.
Do not leave toilet pots uncovered while going out of station.
Do not use vessels below flowerpots during these months as water stagnates in them if left unchanged.
Do not give steroids or antibiotics to dengue patients.
Avoid platelet transfusion unless there is an active bleed or the platelet count is less than 10,000.