Stepping up the 'Har Shukarwar, Dengue te Vaar' campaign, the District Health Department today conducted surprise checks in various private hospitals, clinics and labs across the district. Civil surgeon Dr. Mahesh Kumar Aahuja along with a team of senior health officials visited Max Hospital and supervised the inspection of containers, pots, coolers, refrigerators, boxes and other items.
During the drive, mosquito larvae were found at three sites in the hospital premises. The hospital authorities were directed not to allow water to accumulate anywhere.
The hospital staff was explained in detail about the symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment of dengue fever. Dr. Mahesh Kumar said that on the instructions of the Punjab government, the health department conducted the drive this morning simultaneously from 9 to 10 am in the district.
He said that wherever larvae were found in hospitals, labs etc., a warning was given and a penalty would be imposed if larvae were found again. He appealed to the district residents to cooperate for the prevention of dengue and said that the health department on its own is making continuous efforts in this direction but only with the help of the people the district could be made dengue free.
People should wear clothes that cover the whole body. If there is a suspected dengue victim, they should immediately visit the nearest hospital. Dengue testing and treatment is available free of cost in government hospitals across the district.
For health related information, the health department helpline no. 104 may be contacted any time. District Epidemiologist Dr. Subhash Kumar, SMO Dr. H S Cheema, Dr. Vijay Bhagat and other officers were part of the team.
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.
Don'ts
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 the 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.