Jana Swasthya Abhiyan State secretary S. Suresh on Saturday asked the State government to take necessary steps to prevent spread of seasonal fevers and prepare the official machinery to meet the challenge.
In a meeting convened by the representatives of the People’s Monitoring Committee, Jana Vignana Vedika and the Praja Arogya Vedika, he said the onset of monsoon had paved the way for breeding of deadly mosquitoes, especially in the agency areas in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. He said fevers spread by mosquitoes were on the rise and sought the participation of both the government and public to check the growth of the slender, long-legged flies.
Mr. Suresh said rains polluted drinking water sources leading to diarrhoea, vomiting and other seasonal ailments. “The pre-dominant fevers of the monsoon season are malaria, typhoid and other viral infections. Of late, dengue and chikungunya are spreading fast. While malaria, dengue and chikungunya are spread by the mosquito bite, typhoid spreads owing to water pollution and stale food,” he said.
Early treatment
He advised those down with fever to approach a doctor immediately to assess the severity of the ailment. “Approach primary health centres, health sub-centres or family doctors for treatment at an early stage,” he said. “Frequent garbage removal, proper drainage and regular fogging are some of the steps which should be taken up by the official machinery,” he said.
He cautioned people not to dump garbage in the sewerage as it blocks the flow of drain water, leading to breeding of mosquitoes. “In all the ponds and water bodies the authorities should let gambusia fish to tackle the mosquito menace. Steps should be taken to prevent water stagnation in the colonies,” he said.
He said the State government should involve NGOs and other people’s organisations to promote the concept of good health by highlighting the steps to be taken to prevent fevers and mosquitoes.
He asked people to give up open defecation and consume protected drinking water. “We should use mosquito nets, bats and fix mesh to windows and doors. By fully covering our body, we can escape from mosquito bites.”
Later, a poster on steps to be taken for protection from mosquitoes was released.
