Disease control efforts intensified in flood-hit areas

As the floodwaters slowly recede, the struggle for residents of flood-hit villages is far from over. The biggest challenge now is the threat of diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera, skin infections and viral fever. To address this crisis, the Health Department, supported by social organisations and local residents, is working day and night to make the residential areas liveable once again.

To control the situation, the department has launched an intensive door-to-door campaign. Out of nearly 1.35 lakh people affected by the floods, surveys have already been conducted among 80,000 residents. Officials confirmed that while the number of disease cases from the area has increased, the situation remains under control and necessary measures are being taken to prevent further spread.

Civil Surgeon Dr Swarnjit Dhawan stated that teams of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, ASHA workers and paramedical staff are visiting the flood-affected villages every day. These teams are providing consultation, distributing free medicines and referring serious patients to hospitals for advanced treatment. Medicine kits containing basic drugs, water purification tablets and ORS packets are also being given to families. In addition, mosquito repellents are being sprayed in the affected areas to reduce the chances of malaria, dengue and chikungunya. The department has procured 40 new fogging machines and fogging has already been carried out in most villages.

During the peak of the floods, medical camps had been set up where thousands were treated. With conditions now gradually improving, the focus has shifted to ensuring that every household is covered under this campaign so that no person is left unattended. Dr Dhawan assured that the drive will continue until the health and safety of the flood-affected people is secured.

Health experts have also appealed to residents to take precautions in order to safeguard themselves. People have been advised to drink only boiled or purified water, wash hands regularly with soap, keep food items properly covered, and avoid coming in contact with stagnant floodwater. The use of mosquito nets and repellents is essential, and any symptoms of fever, vomiting or diarrhoea should be reported immediately to the nearest health worker.