Open House: What should be done to check the spread of water-borne diseases?

Keep water from accumulating

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Safety is a by-product of awareness, and we should be proactive rather than reactive. As a result, a comprehensive dengue prevention strategy may keep us from contracting this break-bone fever. Dengue fever is a painful, debilitating mosquito-borne disease spread by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with dengue virus. Mosquitoes that carry the virus typically live in and around homes, breeding in stagnant clean water that has accumulated from rain and gardening. We should be aware that dengue can spread rapidly if not controlled early on. Given that there is no effective dengue vaccine, environmental management should be the first step in limiting its spread. Spraying insecticides in the form of mosquito repellents can also help prevent dengue transmission because insecticides kill both mosquito larvae and adults. Furthermore, we must protect ourselves from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and covering most of our bodies. Above all, the community’s willingness to understand the importance of making behavioural changes, such as preventing mosquito breeding habitats from forming by keeping water from accumulating near their homes, can have a significant impact on reducing dengue transmission.

Novin Christopher

All geared up

We have geared up to check the spread of vector-borne diseases. All the departments concerned, including Health and Municipal Corporation, have been directed to ramp up measures to check the breeding of mosquitoes and flies besides putting in place adequate arrangements for tracing, testing and treatment of the patients at the government health centres. — Sakshi Sawhney, Deputy Commissioner

Wear full-sleeved shirts, cover legs

The rising number of vector-borne diseases in the district is a cause for concern. Malaria and dengue fever cases have doubled over the last month. False corrective claims by health authorities are like rubbing salt in the wounds of patients. The government should devise a multi-pronged strategy to eradicate these diseases. People should empty all plant pots, air coolers, old tyres and spray ponds and lace them with kerosene oil. They should wear full-sleeved clothes and trousers. Grow mosquito repellent plants such as marigold, citronella, catnip, rosemary, lemongrass, lavender, and use camphor and other aromatic oils of lavender, tea tree, citronella, eucalyptus and mint. In a spray bottle, combine a few drops of your preferred oil and water and squirt it around the house. There are various types of mosquito repellent creams and lotions in the market, and nets are also an excellent option for mosquito protection. Use the 4s strategy to achieve complete protection from vector-borne diseases, such as secure self protection from mosquito bites, seek early consultation when signs and symptoms of dengue appear, and say yes to fumigation as a last resort when an outbreak is imminent. Drink plenty of fluids. Proper bed rest is also required. The government should make adequate arrangements for the timely treatment of affected patients. Health authorities should educate the public about the risks and benefits of vector-borne disease prevention.

Sukhdev Sharma

Regular fumigation must to prevent spread

As the monsoon progresses, the risk of vector-borne disease transmission increases. To remain vigilant and cautious, we must take some preventative measures. People should avoid letting rainwater accumulate in any type of pit, as this can promote mosquito breeding. To avoid mosquito bites, wear appropriate clothing and apply mosquito repellent cream. Citizens are also encouraged not to leave garbage in their surroundings. Municipalities are asked to fill open potholes to prevent rainwater from accumulating. In addition, the corporation should fumigate the city streets on a regular basis.

Sehajbir Singh

Utilise mosquito nets, insect repellents

Dengue fever is among the most common virulent infections transmitted by Aedes mosquitos, whereas malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by Anopheles mosquitos. Other vector-borne diseases include chikungunya, Zika virus fever and yellow fever. These diseases primarily affect poor populations. The number of dengue cases in the district is rapidly increasing. Dengue fever symptoms include an abrupt onset of high fever, severe frontal headache, and pain in the muscles, joints, and behind the eyes. If any of the above symptoms appear, please go to the nearest health centre and have your blood tested. Follow a doctor’s advice and avoid self-medication. Malaria and dengue can be avoided if residents sleep under mosquito nets, use insect repellents, and wear clothing that completely covers their arms and legs. In accordance with the slogan ‘Paani thehrega jahan,machhar panpega wahan’, people should observe every Saturday as drying day and empty all discarded tins, tyres, empty pots, broken bottles, coolers, flower pots and so on to prevent mosquito breeding in and around their homes. To keep mosquitoes at bay, plant mosquito repellent plants such as marigold, rosemary, catnip and lemongrass around your home. Camphor is a very effective mosquito repellent. A few pieces of camphor kept in an evaporation container will deter mosquitos. Though the civic body has begun fogging in various colonies once a day, residents want it done twice to prevent water-borne diseases. Fogging should take place in every city colony. Mosquitoes breed in village ponds, so fogging is also necessary. The village panchayats should buy their own fogging machines. Laboratories should be instructed to provide free blood tests for vector-borne diseases.

RS Sembhi

Prompt identification of symptoms needed

I’m writing to draw attention to an urgent public health concern that arises every monsoon: dengue fever. This is a very serious issue. We should pay attention to ensuring that there is no standing water in or near our homes. Regularly inspect and empty containers and other water-collecting sources. To keep mosquitoes out, use window and door screens. Always wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and similar outfits. Use mosquito nets when sleeping. Always keep your surroundings clean and be aware of dengue symptoms. We should take action to provide mosquito nets and raise awareness by creating and distributing posters to as many people as possible. We should not depend solely on the government. It’s also our duty to take small steps in this effort.

Harmandeep Kaur

Launch community awareness campaigns

During the monsoon season, steps should be taken to prevent waterborne diseases such as dengue fever by controlling mosquito breeding and maintaining hygiene. Civilians should eliminate stagnant water in and around their homes, as these are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Water containers, flower pots, and birdbaths should be emptied and cleaned on a regular basis. To prevent bites, people should use mosquito nets and repellents. They should also wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers to reduce skin exposure. To keep mosquitoes out, install screens on windows and doors. Additionally, public health officials should conduct regular fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes and larvae. Community awareness campaigns should be launched to educate people on preventive measures. Furthermore, civilians should dispose of garbage quickly and use covered bins to avoid water accumulation. Drinking clean, boiled, or treated water and practicing good personal hygiene should help to reduce the risk of other waterborne diseases. These combined efforts should greatly reduce the spread of dengue fever during the monsoon season.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

Remove mosquito breeding sites

The primary goal of preventing and mitigating the spread of vector-borne diseases should be to raise public awareness. The media plays an important role in educating consumers about prevalent diseases and suggesting remedies for them. Advertisements are a great way to connect with people. Encouraging the use of repellent creams, liquids and coils, as well as wearing full-sleeved shirts with trousers and socks and sleeping under bed nets, can all help to protect people from these dreadful diseases. Detection and removal of mosquito breeding sites. Keeping water from becoming stagnant. Covering all eatables is necessary to save lives from these diseases. The dissemination of accurate information about the effects and symptoms of diseases can help to eliminate them. The government and citizens should collaborate and cooperate with each other towards spreading awareness on this issue.

Manmeen Kaur

Healthcare facilities should be well stocked

To combat the spread of vector-borne diseases, a multifaceted approach is required. First and foremost, sanitation is the most important step in preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases, as is waste management to reduce vector habitats. We should also promote clean water practices. Second, wherever vaccines and medications are available, we should encourage people to use them. At the very least, important medications should be available in every health care facility. Ensure that patients have access to effective treatments and preventive medications.

Japleen Kaur

Ensure sewerage is functioning properly

Monsoon brings joy, happiness, and greenery, but also brings along vector-borne diseases, such as dengue, which has recently resurfaced. All people, including the government, should take the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases. The state government should ensure that the sewerage is properly functioning so that no stagnant water remains on the roadside. We should also avoid leaving even a small amount of water in buckets or water coolers, as this can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. We should wear full-sleeved T-shirts and trousers, and we can use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. By taking small measures, we can successfully control the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Hargunpreet Kaur

Better equip laboratories

Dengue and other vector-borne diseases have resurfaced. To address this issue, a multifaceted approach is required. First, raise community awareness on the importance of removing stagnant water from roadsides, etc. Households should check their coolers, plant pots, and containers on a regular basis, both empty and full. Public places must be kept neat and clean, and garbage should be disposed of in a well-organised manner. Additionally, use full-sleeved clothing, nets, mosquito repellents, and apply coconut oil to arms and below the knees on the body. Collaboration between the general public, local governments and healthcare providers can significantly reduce the prevalence of these diseases, resulting in a healthier monsoon season for everyone. We can encourage hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic facilities to promptly report confirmed dengue cases. Electronic health records can help us streamline the process and gather a lot of information about the cases. We can also confirm dengue cases using laboratory tests such as the NS1 antigen test, PCR and serological tests. Laboratories should be well equipped.

Sahleen Kaur

QUESTION

The district administration has launched ‘Wake-up Ludhiana for a liveable tomorrow’ initiative aimed at transforming the industrial and financial capital of Punjab into a green, sustainable and climate-resilient city. Besides planting 15-lakh saplings this monsoon, the initiative entails reducing the city’s carbon footprint, enhancing its green cover and preparing it for the future challenges posed by climate change. What else needs to be done to check rising pollution in Ludhiana, which is among the country’s 20 most polluted cities?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com  by Thursday (July 18)