Dengue cases on the rise, residents advised to take precautions

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 1

With the number of cases of dengue increasing in other districts of the state, the Health Department has swing into action and asked city residents to take precautions to keep dengue at bay.

The number of positive cases this year has gone up to 68 while 292 are suspected cases while no death has occurred this year due to dengue. Last year during the same month, the number of positive dengue cases were 35. Total suspected chikungunya patients this year have been 68, while one has been confirmed till date.

Issuing an advisory to the public here on Monday, Civil Surgeon Dr Parwinder Pal Singh Sidhu said dengue and chikungunya spread from mosquitoes and people should make sure not to let water get stagnant in and around their houses.

“Every Friday should be observed as dry day, and desert coolers, flower pots and refrigerator trays should be emptied and dried. Mosquitoes take only one week to grow and can breed in only two spoons of water,” said Dr Sidhu.

Dr Ramesh, District Epidemiologist, said, “People are advised to apply mosquito repellent creams during day time, wear full sleeve shirts and pants. Mosquito coils should be used, and if necessary, mosquito net should be used while sleeping.”

Dr Sidhu further said the department was regularly holding awareness camps, organising street plays and distributing pamphlets to make people aware of dengue and chikungunya and necessary precautions to be taken for the same.

He said, “Separate dengue wards have been developed at all major hospitals, including Civil Hospital and sub-divisional hospitals. Test for dengue is done free of cost at the Civil Hospital.”

Symptoms

High fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, skin rash and mild bleeding.

Precautions

• Wear full sleeve shirts.
• Coolers should be dried before you stop using them.
• Mosquito repellent creams should be used.
• Anti-mosquito spray should be done daily, especially behind the curtains and below tables.
• Water from pots kept in the drawing rooms should be changed weekly.
• Don’t keep uncovered utensil, pots, tyres etc. on the roof top or in the open.
• Don’t allow fresh water to store near houses.