Thiruvananthapuram: Due to the possibility of intermittent rains in the state, Health Minister Veena George has asked households to observe a dry day this coming Sunday in view of the possibility of dengue fever spreading. Individuals and organizations should observe a dry day once a week. Local bodies and district administrations should ensure this. The Health Minister said that source destruction is the main way to prevent Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika.
It is important to ensure that even a little bit of water does not accumulate inside and outside the house and establishment. House and surroundings should be kept clean. Find places where mosquitoes can breed and eliminate them. Don’t throw away plastic or cardboard. Drip collection containers and bins in rubber plantations should be kept closed when not in use or should be prevented from accumulating rain water.
Situations of mosquito breeding in areas not under own jurisdiction should be brought to the notice of the Field Division Staff or Medical Officer of the nearest Primary and Family Health Center for initiating action under the Kerala Public Health Act. Store raw materials covered. Keep the collected water closed. The health department, local self-government bodies and district administrations should work in coordination. According to the Kerala Public Health Act, the meeting should be held and proper activities should be carried out.
Dengue is a disease that affects adults and children alike. Dengue fever is often delayed in diagnosis because the symptoms of dengue fever are not different from common viral fever. The onset is a sudden, severe fever. In the beginning, symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sore throat and slight cough appear. Severe back pain and pain behind the eyes can accompany dengue fever. Within four to five days, it is possible to see red, swollen spots all over the body.
See your doctor if you have the above symptoms, do not self-medicate. If anyone in the household develops dengue fever, bring it to the attention of health workers or ASHA workers. It helps in boosting immune function in the area.
