After rain havoc, dengue, diarrhoea threat looms; experts advise caution

“Unseasonal rain, humidity and the present temperature are ideal conditions for the breeding of mosquitoes,” Dr Suman Singh, director of Health Services, Chandigarh said. She stressed that if the stagnant water is not removed, it would serve as a breeding ground for larvae.

The health services director added that several teams of her department visited visit residential, office and public areas to ensure that there is no stagnation of water. “We are also ensuring regular fogging in various areas. Now, there are no cases of dengue that have been recorded. But we need to take all necessary precautions,” Suman said.

As many as 462,220 households have been inspected by the health department with coolers, refrigerators, and overhead tanks scrutinised. More than 3,657 houses have been sprayed with insecticides, overhead tanks without covers have been provided tanks, and more than 1,000 containers and coolers have been cleaned, officials claimed.

Suman also said that cases of diarrheic have also been reported in the UT. Even though the number is not high, she added, the administrations wants to prevent citizens from the disease.

“Small, easy efforts can make a big difference. Precautions are important for every age group. Use water from a safe source, do not add clean and fresh water to stale or unwashed containers, as there is grave risk of water contamination. Wash hands before eating, raw food materials such as fresh vegetables and fruits must be washed and cleaned thoroughly before cooking/consuming. In case of loose stools and vomiting, drink plenty of fluids and take ORS,” advised the doctor.

Prevention of dengue

According to a health advisory issued by the Health Department (Malaria Wing) Chandigarh, it is essential to take special precautions to avoid contact with mosquitoes. After every rainfall, a check needs to be done to spot any accumulation of water around the house. All water containers/overhead tanks are to be kept properly covered. Once a week, desert coolers and containers, birds/animal feeding pots should be cleaned as they may act as potential sources for breeding of aedes mosquitoes. Proper solid waste disposal and improved water storage practices, including covering containers to prevent access by egg-laying female mosquitoes and adding kerosene oil to stagnant water, also help prevent the spread.

The advisory stated that when outdoors, a mosquito repellant should be used on exposed parts of the skin. Dressing in protective clothing, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes was encouraged along with the use of mosquito coils and net.

Since aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, especially before daybreak and in the late afternoon before dark, residents ought to be extra vigilant.

Apart from this, the advisory also forbade the administration of aspirin/brufen to patients with dengue fever as it may lead to bleeding in case the platelet count is very low. Paracetamol may be used for fever and body ache. In case of fever, stomach pain, vomiting, or bleeding from the nose or gums, residents must report to the nearest health facility at the earliest.

Dengue ELISA test (Ns1/IgM) is the recommended confirmatory test for dengue as per the Central government. Free dengue testing facilities are available at PGI’s Department of Virology, GMCH-32, Department of Microbiology, GMSH-16, Department of Microbiology, CH-Manimajra, 22, and CH-45. The Health Department’s dengue helpline number is 7626002026.