Doctor urges locals to clean water containers weekly

On the occasion of National Dengue Day, an awareness programme was organised on Friday at the Sirsa Civil Hospital here under the leadership of Civil Surgeon Dr Mahender Bhadu.

He said dengue was a mosquito-borne disease caused by the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which bred in clean, stagnant water.

Dr Bhadu appealed to the public to ensure that water did not collect in or around their homes.

He advised people to clean water tanks, coolers, flower pots, toilets, unused containers, roof gutters and animal water bowls at least once a week.

If water remained stagnant for more than seven days, mosquitoes could lay eggs in it, which could then develop and spread dengue, he added.

He exhorted people not to ignore fevers, and to get blood tests done immediately if symptoms of dengue appeared. Dengue tests and treatment were available free of cost at the Civil Hospital, he said.

To prevent mosquito breeding, Dr Bhadu suggested pouring kerosene oil in stagnant water, and observing dry day every Friday by emptying and drying all water containers.

Deputy Civil Surgeon (Medical) Dr Pramod Sharma, Deputy Civil Surgeon (Malaria) Dr Gaurav Arora and Epidemic Officer Dr Sanjay Kumar were among those present during the drive.