Lower temperatures and increased humidity could spike malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and other diseases: Telangana DPH
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rains across Telangana over the next two days, the State's Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Dr Ravinder B. Nayak has issued a health advisory urging citizens to take precautionary measures against seasonal illnesses.
The advisory warns that the combination of lower temperatures and increased humidity could lead to a spike in vector-borne and waterborne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, acute gastroenteritis, jaundice, and typhoid.
To curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, the advisory has urged residents to secure doors and windows with mosquito screens, use repellents, maintain domestic drains to avoid water stagnation, and cover septic tanks with mesh. Citizens have also been advised to observe 'Friday Dry Day' each week to eliminate stagnant water around their homes.
To prevent waterborne infections, the public was encouraged to drink only filtered or boiled water, maintain strict hand hygiene, especially before and after meals and avoid consuming stale or roadside food.
'With the threat of airborne infections such as viral fevers and influenza, people should refrain from handshakes, use hand sanitizers frequently, and cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. Those experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, headache, sore throat, and body aches are advised to visit the nearest government health facility. For emergencies, the public can dial 108 for ambulance services,' as per the advisory.
It added that special beds, IV fluids, and essential medicines were arranged across public health facilities. ANMs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers are equipped with medicines and ORS sachets to respond swiftly to any health emergencies.
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