Latest news with #FridayDryDay
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
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.
Hans India
26-04-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Malaria cases see decline in Tirupati district: DM&HO
Tirupati: District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) Dr V Balakrishna Naik said that malaria cases in the district are steadily declining year by year – a development that is both encouraging and significant. He was speaking after inaugurating an awareness rally at the DM&HO office on World Malaria Day on Friday. Dr Naik stated that no malaria cases have been reported in the district from January 2025 to date. Efforts are being intensified with the goal of eliminating malaria completely by 2027. Targets include keeping the number of cases below one per 1,000 people and improving surveillance metrics like ABER (Annual Blood Examination Rate) and MBER (Monthly Blood Examination Rate). Special programmes like the Vector Control and Hygiene App have been introduced to raise awareness digitally. 'We are implementing 'Friday Dry Day' at the village and ward level to eliminate mosquito breeding sources,' Dr Naik added. Review meetings are being conducted regularly by the District Collector and health officials to monitor progress. As part of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), the Telangana State Government, with NHM support, is actively running campaigns against malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and filariasis. Malaria diagnosis and treatment services are readily available, and integrated vector control measures like indoor residual spraying (IRS) and use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are ongoing with interdepartmental coordination. Dr GK Roop Kumar, District Malaria Officer, explained public awareness is being raised on preventive actions such as avoiding stagnant water, using mosquito repellents and nets, and early diagnosis using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Collector instructs officials to ensure stagnant water is removed before onset of monsoon
NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha has instructed officials to take steps to create awareness among people about how malaria and dengue diseases are spread and how they can be prevented. At a meeting of the District Level Coordination Committee here on Tuesday, Mr. Lakshmisha discussed with other committee members the programmes to be taken up on the occasion of World Malaria Day on April 25 as part of the National Insect-Borne Disease Control Programme. A frontline health worker should distribute a pamphlet on dos and don'ts to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in every household, the Collector said, adding that in urban areas dengue was common while in rural, malaria was more common. A special drive should be held to identify places where water was stagnated and measures should be taken to clear these before the onset of monsoon. In rural areas, awareness should be created on the precautions, to be taken to prevent spread of mosquitoes, through announcements on the mike. The Collector instructed the Agriculture department officials to educate the farmers about stagnant water in fields can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Friday Dry Day would be observed on April 25 and officials of all departments should participate in the programme, during which awareness would be created among the public by draining water from unused tanks, plant pots and drums. Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Commissioner H. M. Dhyanachandra, District Medical and Health Officer M. Suhasini, Additional DMHO Usharani, District Malaria Officer Mothibabu and others were present.
