Health Department launches awareness drive to contain dengue

The Health Department has launched an awareness campaign to curb the rising threat of dengue. Residents will be educated about sanitation practices and mosquito breeding sites removed during the drive.

Civil Surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur emphasised that mosquitoes causing dengue bred in clean, stagnant water. “Water that remains undisturbed for more than seven days, whether in coolers, flower pots, rooftop tanks, old tyres or discarded containers, can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It’s crucial to inspect homes thoroughly every Friday and ensure no water is collected around residential areas,” she said.

District Epidemiologist Dr Babita added, “Dengue is caused by Aedes mosquitoes and they bite during the daytime. Children should wear full-sleeved clothing while going to school to minimise exposure.”

As part of the campaign, health teams are conducting inspections in homes, schools, offices, hospitals and market areas. Awareness lectures, rallies and poster exhibitions are held to engage schoolkids in the drive. In villages and anganwadi centres, ASHA workers and health staff are going door-to-door to educate families about preventive measures.

The drive is also supported by local panchayats and municipal officials, who are helping with cleanliness campaigns.

District Mass Media Officer Parminder Singh today visited dengue-affected areas to raise awareness. Larvae were destroyed under his supervision.

Officials urged residents to remain vigilant for symptoms such as high fever, body aches, headaches, pain behind the eyes and skin rashes. Those experiencing the symptoms should get themselves tested for dengue, they said, adding that testing and treatment of the disease were free at all government hospitals.