Thiruvananthapuram: Following the Nipah scare, the health department in Kerala emphasizes the importance of vigilance against both dengue fever and rat-bite fever. Just as in 2013 and 2017, there were heightened concerns about a significant dengue outbreak this year, prompting the issuance of an early alert. In a statement, Veena George said that the cases have not increased significantly due to the strengthening of immunization activities. Due to continued intermittent rains, comprehensive control of disease-carrying mosquitoes in houses, establishments, and public spaces should be continued. The minister also stated that a collective effort is necessary in the prevention of dengue.
A high-level meeting was also held under the leadership of Health Minister Veena George as part of the prevention of communicable diseases. The Health Department has directed that the local bodies and the district administration should work closely with each other. The District Medical Officers should strengthen the field-level activities at the ward level by associating with the District Collectors and discussing them with various departments and people’s representatives. The hotspots of all districts should be handed over to districts and local bodies and published. The availability of medicines should be ensured in hospitals.
The instructions also include that every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday should be observed as a dry day during the next 8 weeks. Dry days should be observed at schools on Friday, offices on Saturday, and homes on Sunday. This should be ensured at the district level.
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