PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Following the directions of the Health department, the Education department in Dehradun has issued dengue prevention guidelines to block education officers, which both government and private schools must follow. Chief education officer (CEO) Vinod Kumar Dhaundiyal said this while talking to this correspondent.
Notably, several dengue cases have been reported in private facilities in Dehradun district, indicating that the disease struck citizens earlier this year compared to past years. In response, the Health department has issued directives to help prevent further dengue cases.
Dhaundiyal said that the department recently issued an order to the Education department. Following this, the Education department recently issued preventive guidelines to six block education officers in Dehradun, which should be followed by the schools. These guidelines include ensuring that schools provide health education to children. Specifically, students are advised to wear full pants and shirts while at school and schools must take measures to make their premises mosquito-free.
Additional instructions include preventing the accumulation of water in or around school facilities, and this should be followed by the children at their residences. All water tanks and storage containers must be covered and trays under flower pots should be managed to ensure no water collects. Schools should inform and aware students that they are required to empty all water from vases, money plants, water pots and coolers once a week in their surroundings.
He further said that students should be informed to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms such as high fever, headache, body aches, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, or red spots on their body, as these can indicate dengue fever. Further, it is essential to ensure fogging activities at the school level.
Dhaundiyal also said that schools have been directed to organise dengue awareness campaigns during prayer time in the morning, where teachers will discuss the symptoms, prevention and causes of dengue. He emphasised that block education officers must ensure these directives are followed by schools.
Recently, the Health department has also emphasised the need for teachers to raise awareness among students regarding dengue prevention, recommending full-sleeved clothing, recognising symptoms, understanding medication and using mosquito traps, among other measures.
