Latest news with #DengueActionPlan
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Draft Dengue Action Plan proposes higher penalties, appointing nodal officers
New Delhi, From proposing increased penalties under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 to directing the Jal Board to fix leakages and appointing nodal officers in every private and government office, the draft Dengue Action Plan 2025 outlines these as some of the key measures to deal with mosquito menace. Draft Dengue Action Plan proposes higher penalties, appointing nodal officers According to the draft accessed by PTI, a broader Dengue Action Plan 2025 plan is in the works. It aims to tackle mosquito-borne diseases through stricter legal enforcement, intensive surveillance and improved inter-departmental coordination. The plan proposes an increase in penalties under the amended Section 428 of the DMC Act for premises found breeding mosquitoes. However, the draft does not mention the proposed fine amount or how much it may be increased. As part of the plan, the Education Department will be asked to ensure awareness among schoolchildren through morning assemblies and to develop age-wise curriculum content to be incorporated in textbooks, focusing on the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases. The Public Health Department will be tasked with regular surveillance for mosquito breeding, issuing challans and legal notices, and coordinating with other departments. The engineering departments and civic agencies have been directed to design water-tight structures and ensure land levelling to prevent water accumulation. The Delhi Jal Board has been instructed to supply adequate potable water through pipelines across all colonies to discourage unsafe storage practices. It must also prevent leakages and water stagnation at valve chambers and booster stations, while ensuring construction sites remain free of stagnant water, according to the draft. All government and private offices, including hospitals, will be required to appoint a nodal officer to ensure premises remain breeding-free. "Like every year, we are preparing this plan to ensure prevention. Awareness is the most important component. "With basic hygiene and maintenance, we can avoid these diseases — but unfortunately, people often neglect that," a senior Health Department official said. He said the Action Plan 2025 is ready and will be released soon. "To prevent vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya in Delhi, all concerned agencies are required to take preventive measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sources in and around their offices, institutional premises and areas under their jurisdiction. The civic body, with the help of multiple agencies including the Public Works Department , Delhi Police, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, DJB and the Archaeological Survey of India has intensified efforts to prevent and control the spread of vector-borne diseases ahead of the approaching monsoon season. According to official data, Delhi reported 11 dengue-related deaths in 2024. In comparison, 19 deaths were recorded in 2023, nine in 2022, 23 in 2021, and one in 2020. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials announce outbreak of dangerous virus with major impact: 'Early diagnosis ... [is] critical'
Fiji's Western Division is experiencing a dengue outbreak after the country recorded 200 cases. According to Radio New Zealand, Fiji's Health Ministry declared the outbreak in "three provinces in western and northern parts of Viti Levu: Ba province, Nadroga-Navosa province, and Ra province." RNZ noted that dengue fever is typical "from October to April," which is the rainy season. Cases can also occur after heavy rain events. Unfortunately, Fiji has had bad weather since December 25. Most of the current cases involve people between 10 and 29 years old. RNZ reported the "Ministry said a Dengue Action Plan has been implemented, and monitoring of the situation by both the divisional heads and senior managers has been ongoing." The Ministry urged the public to learn how dengue fever spreads and its symptoms. Mosquitoes spread it by biting an infected person and then passing it on by biting another person. The illness typically lasts two to seven days, but severe cases can be deadly. An affected person will have flu-like symptoms. High fever can be accompanied by two other symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle or joint pain, rash, pain behind the eyes, and loss of appetite. Someone infected could also experience other symptoms, such as diarrhea and swollen glands. People who believe they have been infected with dengue fever should immediately get medical treatment. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. RNZ wrote, "Early diagnosis and management of symptoms are critical to reducing the risk of complications and avoid further spread of the virus." While a typical case of dengue fever lasts a few days to a week, Mount Sinai says "1 out of 20 people with dengue will develop severe dengue within a few hours after symptoms start." Someone who has been infected with dengue previously is at significant risk of contracting a severe case. According to Yale Environment 360, deforestation is increasing "the spread of life-threatening diseases such as … dengue fever." The outlet also noted scientists are concerned that "the next global pandemic could come out of the forest and spread quickly around the world." The Fiji Health Ministry is monitoring the current dengue fever. However, organizations like the United States Agency for International Development provide vaccines for countries affected by dengue fever. This can help protect Americans from falling sick when visiting those parts of the world. For instance, Business Standard reported that USAID, in partnership with Takeda Biopharma, created a dengue fever prevention program in 2024 in India. Organizations that work to combat these diseases must continue to run. You can use your voice to speak to your representative to ensure these organizations have the necessary resources to do their work. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
