PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
To prevent dengue cases in the upcoming days, the Health department plans to issue challans through municipal bodies in areas where mosquito larvae are found repeatedly. This information was shared by the Dehradun District Surveillance Officer (DSO) Dr Pradeep Rana.
So far, over 100 dengue cases have been reported as positive in the Dehradun district. Commenting on the situation, Rana stated that efforts are underway to control the spread of the disease and raise public awareness about dengue prevention. Recently, a meeting was held to discuss the issuance of challans with the team. He said that they intend to start issuing fines within a month at both residential and commercial establishments where dengue larvae are frequently found. Initially, a warning will be issued; however, if larvae are discovered a second or third time in the same location, the information will be forwarded to the municipal bodies, which will then issue the challan.
The DSO further said that the number of dengue cases usually does not increase due to heavy rainfall, which tends to reduce the chances of larvae proliferation, as during this period, the water flows and decreases the chances of larvae growing. He also informed that ASHA workers and volunteers are regularly conducting surveys and awareness activities about dengue. In these awareness campaigns, they are educating residents about how even seemingly small items like empty coconut shells and cups can have dengue larvae.
Rana further urged residents to follow necessary precautions, including avoiding stagnant water in their surroundings, using mosquito repellent, wearing covered clothing, and consulting a doctor as soon as they observe any symptoms of dengue.
It is important to note that earlier, Rana reported that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and volunteers indicated that 50 per cent of the population restricts them from conducting dengue awareness and survey activities in their areas. In light of this, he urged the public to cooperate and refrain from such behaviour.
