Minister lays stress on vector source-reduction to combat dengue

Source-reduction activities have an important role to play in preventing dengue, Minister for Health Veena George has said.

National Dengue Day will be observed on Saturday. Dengue fever can be controlled only with the support and cooperation of the public, the Minister said.

The Health department had issued an alert ahead of the rainy season, following which local bodies had intensified pre-monsoon activities. Training and other facilities had been ensured from family health centre upwards to ensure proper care and treatment. Guidelines had been issued to private hospitals too. All these steps had helped bring down dengue deaths in the State, a statement quoting the Minister said.

Prevention activities had been strengthened. Vector source-reduction activities would be held on May 16, 23, and 30. Dry day should be observed in all homes and institutions.

Water should not be allowed to collect in houses premises, plantations, and farms to prevent an explosion in vector breeding. Utensils or vessels used for collecting water in houses should be kept closed. Water should not collect in planters and fridge trays. Waste should be disposed of properly.

Adequate tests kits to detect dengue infection through lab tests, and medicines for proper treatment had been ensured in every district. Doctors had been trained in the government’s dengue fever treatment guidelines, the Minister said.