‘Dry day’ should be observed strictly once every week by the public as the incidence of dengue seems to be increasing, District Collector S. Venkatesapathi has said.
He appealed to the public to take part in the initiative wholeheartedly.
He was speaking at a meeting of the task force called at the Collectorate on Monday to review the district’s health issues.
Hikes in July
He pointed out that going by the figures of the Health Department in the previous years, incidence of infectious diseases usually spiked by July. This year, dengue incidence had gone up substantially by May itself. In the current situation, it was important not to create mosquito-breeding sites and to ensure that source-reduction activities were carried out intensively.
The Health Department has directed that ‘dry day’ be observed in schools on Fridays, at offices on Saturdays, and in houses on Sundays.
On the day, all garbage should be removed and it should be ensured that there were no circumstances leading to water stagnation any where.
3,292 dengue cases
This year, so far, 3,292 confirmed cases of dengue has been reported from the district, District Medical Officer Jose Decruz said.
Water stagnation also increased the risk of leptospirosis.
H1N1 could be managed with reasonable care and caution at home but those in the vulnerable category, such as those with co-morbidities, pregnant women, young children, and the elderly should seek medical attention without delay as soon as flu-like symptoms surface.
Senior Health officials were present at the meeting.