Preparations to curb vector-borne diseases underway as monsoon fast approaches

The Health Department in the district is engaged in steps to check mosquito-borne diseases as the monsoon is fast approaching.
District Malaria Officer K. Vimal Raj said that the vector control unit in the district had been working since January to minimise the occurrence of diseases such as malaria and filaria.
To start with, the unit distributed pamphlets among the public, urging them to observe ‘dry day’ once a week. Sunday is the dry day for households while it is Monday for public places. Chlorination was carried out in all household wells.
Public health centres have strict guidelines for fever surveillance. They have been asked to conduct blood smear tests to detect dengue or malaria and to inform the respective control rooms.
The rapid response team, which was already in place, has been revived in view of the season. Arrangements are also made for endomological surveillance, Dr. Vimal Raj said.
Meanwhile, medical camps were held among migrant labourers, who were a high-risk population. Their accommodation and sanitation facilities were often not satisfactory.
They boarded around construction sites and are highly vulnerable to vector-borne diseases. Malaria and filaria were detected in large numbers among the migrant labourer population. The department conducted a survey of the population to ensure smooth action if diseases were detected, he said.
Meanwhile, the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation had also initiated measures to curb the mosquito menace. Fogging was being carried out on a daily basis while drains were being flushed using salt water. The Corporation’s medical team was all set to act on emergencies, chairperson of the health standing committee Janamma Kunhunni said.