PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Given the recent weather changes, the Health department has initiated preparations to address and combat both dengue and malaria cases in Dehradun.
The district’s chief medical officer Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma said that a departmental meeting was held in March to discuss dengue, during which it was emphasised that the required equipment for managing dengue should be readily available, with a completion deadline set for April 15. He said that there will be coordination with blood banks to ensure the availability of platelets and blood and a meeting is planned with pathology labs to prevent excessive charges for testing.
Notably, dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, commonly referred to as the tiger mosquito. The disease manifests through symptoms such as a persistent high fever, rashes, headaches and joint pain. In severe cases, a significant drop in platelet count can occur, posing a serious risk to the patient’s life.
To help prevent dengue, it is essential for individuals to eliminate stagnant water around their homes, including drains, tyres and appliances like coolers and refrigerators. Regularly empty any standing water in these areas. Additionally, wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying kerosene or other oils to small water bodies can effectively kill aedes mosquito larvae. If anyone experiences symptoms of dengue, they should seek medical attention promptly.
