Tirupati: Steps in full swing to fight against seasonal diseases

Tirupati: Adding to the fears of Covid-19 with the rapid increase in the number of cases, the ongoing rains at several places and changed climatic conditions brought in another worry of seasonal diseases in Chittoor district. Even there are no cases of Malaria are reported yet, so far, 11 dengue cases were found in this season which is causing worry.

To keep diseases like dengue and malaria at bay, the efforts of district medical and health department are in full swing with several preventive measures and awareness activities.

By observing Anti-Malaria month from June 1 to 30, the staff has conducted fever surveillance and anti-larval operation from door-to-door simultaneously with Covid-19 fever surveillance.

Speaking to The Hans India, District Malaria Officer B Venugopal said that by coordinating with the ward and village secretariat staff, the household surveys have been completed.

They have erected flexis and banners at several places denoting the symptoms and preventive measures. Distribution of pamphlets and sending WhatsApp messages on vector borne diseases and dos and dont's was being implemented.

To bring awareness among the people, physical demonstration of larva growth has been done. Towards preventing mosquito breeding the concept of dry day was being explained in a big way. Rallies were also held to bring awareness among people on the preventive steps such as ensuring cleanliness in all areas and to see that there should be no water stagnation.

The officials are utilising the services of ward volunteers, ANMs and ASHA workers in these activities who underline the importance of personal hygiene and sanitation. To a question, the DMO said the dengue cases were reported in Tirupati, Puttur and Srikalahasti areas. However, they have been taking all steps and leaving no stone unturned as the season may also bring in water-borne diseases like typhoid, gastroenteritis, apart from vector-borne diseases.