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Time of India
6 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Mohali health dept to hold migratory mass surveillance under anti-malaria month campaign
Mohali: As part of a state-wide initiative to combat the spread of malaria, the Mohali health department is set to carry out extensive migratory mass surveillance and public awareness drives throughout the month of June, designated as anti-malaria month by the directorate of health and family welfare, Punjab. Under the campaign, targeted surveillance for malaria will be conducted at high-risk sites including brick kilns, grain markets, slums, factories, and industrial zones — areas with significant migratory and vulnerable populations. In a proactive environmental measure, Gambusia fish, known for feeding on mosquito larvae, will be released into non-commercial ponds across the district between June 3 and 7. Health officials said the campaign is aimed at enhancing awareness, empowering communities, and fostering inter-departmental collaboration for the prevention and containment of malaria. "We are focusing on both surveillance and public engagement to ensure early detection and vector control," a senior health official said. The health department has urged the public to cooperate with health workers and take precautionary steps such as keeping their surroundings clean, eliminating stagnant water, and using mosquito repellents and nets. Officials affirmed that all efforts are being made to reduce malaria cases in the district through timely surveillance, biological control methods, and active community participation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Что говорит о вашем характере поза, в которой вы спите! Удивительные Новости Undo The phased activities that will be conducted across Mohali June 3–7: Release of Gambusia fish in stagnant water bodies to control mosquito breeding June 8–15: Migratory mass surveillance at identified high-risk sites June 16–23: District task force meeting June 24–30: Rallies and public announcements in various localities to educate residents on preventive measures against malaria Mohali: As part of a state-wide initiative to combat the spread of malaria, the Mohali health department is set to carry out extensive migratory mass surveillance and public awareness drives throughout the month of June, designated as anti-malaria month by the directorate of health and family welfare, Punjab. Under the campaign, targeted surveillance for malaria will be conducted at high-risk sites including brick kilns, grain markets, slums, factories, and industrial zones — areas with significant migratory and vulnerable populations. In a proactive environmental measure, Gambusia fish, known for feeding on mosquito larvae, will be released into non-commercial ponds across the district between June 3 and 7. Health officials said the campaign is aimed at enhancing awareness, empowering communities, and fostering inter-departmental collaboration for the prevention and containment of malaria. "We are focusing on both surveillance and public engagement to ensure early detection and vector control," a senior health official said. The health department has urged the public to cooperate with health workers and take precautionary steps such as keeping their surroundings clean, eliminating stagnant water, and using mosquito repellents and nets. Officials affirmed that all efforts are being made to reduce malaria cases in the district through timely surveillance, biological control methods, and active community participation. The phased activities that will be conducted across Mohali June 3–7: Release of Gambusia fish in stagnant water bodies to control mosquito breeding June 8–15: Migratory mass surveillance at identified high-risk sites June 16–23: District task force meeting June 24–30: Rallies and public announcements in various localities to educate residents on preventive measures against malaria


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Dengue, Chikungunya cases drop in southern K'taka
Mysuru: As compared to previous years, dengue and Chikungunya cases came down drastically during the pre-monsoon season this year in the south Karnataka districts. This took the burden off the health department. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Generally, the Old Mysuru and other southern districts record a large number of dengue and Chikungunya cases after a few spells of rain in April and May. According to the health and family welfare department data, between Jan 1 and May 21, 2025, Mysuru district recorded 15 cases. A total of 359 blood samples were collected for analysis during this period. So far, the district recorded no dengue-related deaths. Chamarajanagar (4), Mandya (9), Shivamogga (53), Hassan (12), Chikkamagaluru (10), and Kodagu district recorded just two cases of dengue fever during the period. Last year, these districts recorded a large number of dengue cases. Between Jan 1 and May 20, Mysuru district had recorded 252 dengue cases. Similarly, Chamarajanagar (43), Mandya (125), Shivamogga (118), Hassan (125), Chikkamagaluru (116), and Kodagu district recorded 58 cases. Last year, during the period, Mysuru district recorded 69 Chikungunya cases. However, this year it has come down to 38. Mysuru DHO PC Kumaraswamy attributed the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the health department as the key reason for the drastic fall in dengue cases in the district. "We are observing Fridays as dry days across the district. It is an anti-larvae measure. We released Gambusia (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia reticulata (Guppy) fish species in 1,000 waterbodies across the district to contain the mosquito menace," he said. "Even if a single dengue case is reported, we screen all people in the entire village and conduct an awareness drive. All our interventions yielded good results," he explained.


The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
DHO urges public to keep their surroundings clean as monsoon approaches
District Health and Family Welfare Officer S. Chidambara has urged the public to keep their surroundings clean as the monsoon approaches. He was speaking at the launch of a rally organised in front of the Sri Chamarajeshwara temple in Chamarajanagar on Friday. The event was jointly organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, and the office of the district vector-borne disease control officer, as part of World Malaria Day. Dr. Chidambara said that with the rainy season nearing, people must be cautious to prevent water stagnation around their homes and other areas, which can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes if left unchecked. Malaria is spread through mosquito bites, and to eradicate it, cleanliness must be maintained at every place, he advised. He said that Anopheles mosquitoes breed more during the rainy season, and therefore, it is essential to prevent water stagnation and maintain cleanliness in our surroundings. Larvivorous fish such as Gambusia and Guppy can be released in ponds and tanks to control mosquito larvae. If symptoms such as chills, fever, and sweating occur, people should visit the nearest health centre or hospital for treatment. Controlling mosquitoes is key to eliminating malaria, he noted. Stressing the importance of raising public awareness about malaria eradication, he said mosquito nets should be used to protect against mosquito bites. Malaria, as well as diseases like dengue and chikungunya, can be prevented with these measures, Dr. Chidambara said. District malaria officer Rajesh Kumar, District health education officer Doreswamy Naik, taluk health officer Srinivas, and others were present. Nursing college students participated in the rally, holding placards and spreading awareness about malaria eradication. The rally was flagged off at Sri Chamarajeshwara temple and concluded at the district administration building, passing through B. Rachaiah Circle.


The Hindu
08-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Nellore Municipal Corporation takes multiple steps to curb mosquito menace in city
Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC) has taken multiple measures to prevent mosquito menace in the city limits. Due to a brief spell of rain in the past few days, the rainwater stagnated at public places and open sites, has turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. To check the spread of vector-borne diseases, special steps have been initiated across all divisions in the city. As a part of the supervision of sanitation works, NMC Commissioner Y.O. Nandan visited the localities, including YSR Nagar, Mallaiah Gunta, Kendriya Vidyalayam, and Journalist Colony in 30th Division on Thursday morning. He spoke to the local people directly and inquired about their problems related to water. Speaking to The Hindu, NMC Commissioner Y.O. Nandan said, 'The fogging process is being taken up daily in all divisions under the municipal limits. Apart from this, spraying, releasing oil balls, raising Gambusia fish, and other steps are also underway. However, these are temporary measures. We have started standard measures also to keep mosquitoes at bay.' 'During the last few years, drains have been neglected in the city. Now, we are reviving all the minor and major drains by spending over ₹6 crore. Desiltation of internal canals has already begun with ₹1.5 crore. The desiltation process will take place in Nellore Rural constituency with ₹2.5 crore and in Nellore City constituency with ₹2.7 crore. The tenders will be opened on May 12,' he added. With the desilting of the minor and medium drains, the free flow of water will stop the production of the larval growth, preventing the mosquito menace in the city. Along with regular desilting and silt removal work, the Commissioner has directed the staff to spray mosquito repellents in drains across all divisions. He asked the supervising staff to ensure that wet and dry waste is collected separately. He suggested that the fogging process should be done in all divisions only from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. through hand fogging machines. Complete details of the fogging process carried out every day should be reported to the higher authorities in the office. The Commissioner ordered the sanitation workers to be responsible in their duties and warned them of strict action if they are negligent in their duties. If the fogging machine is under repair, the machine should be taken from the nearest Secretariat and used in a timely manner, and fogging should be carried out regularly in all divisions. Special campaign A special campaign has been started to offer underground drainage (UGD) connection to residents for just ₹1 from Thursday. The campaign was launched in Nawabpet and Bhagat Singh Colony areas. 'Due to lack of awareness among the people, very few UGD connections have been taken up so far. We are trying to motivate educated and elite households to opt for UGD,' Mr. Nandan said. He advised the officials to expedite the ongoing UGD connections across the city and contribute to a clean city. He directed the representatives of L&T and other companies to quickly complete the daily targets set for UGD connections. Through the UGD system, the sanitation work can be carried out in a planned manner throughout the city, he informed.