DC Kangra calls for intersectoral action on vector borne diseases

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The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades. Urbanization, rapid movement of people and goods, climate change have contributed to the global increase of dengue. Over 2.5 billion people – over 40% of the world’s population – are now at risk from dengue.

July is observed as Dengue Awareness month as it is the start of Dengue season. DC Kangra C. Paulrasu stated that under this campaign “Inter-sectoral behavior change communication workshops” will be conducted at all blocks and urban areas in the district to deliberate on situation of malaria, dengue and other vector borne diseases.

Integrated Vector Management strategies demand close cooperation among health, environment, urban development, water, agriculture, and other sectors, as well as the planning sector.

The participants in the workshops will include Engineers of IPH PWD BDO, PRIs representatives, BDO, CDPO, municipal representatives, media persons, Total sanitation campaign NGOs, school principals, science teachers, mahila mandal leaders, youth clubs leaders, health supervisors and health educators.

Initiatives for Vector Environment Management in collaboration with Total sanitation campaign nodal person in block are being promoted – like elimination/management of areas where mosquitoes can breed; filling of ditches by earth, water collection, ensuring that water does not stagnate around hand pumps, taps and any other area inside the house or in residential areas, channeling of water flow, removal of unused/junk materials like tyres, pots, etc. In addition morning assembly sessions on malaria dengue by science teachers are planned where students will be educated on personal protection measures.

Dengue prevention and control solely depends on effective vector control measures. Vector control is indispensable for reducing transmission- Integrated management is more cost effective than single-intervention.

  • Preventing mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying habitats by environmental management and modification.
  • Disposing of solid waste properly and removing artificial man-made habitats.
  • Covering, emptying and cleaning of domestic water storage containers on a weekly basis.
  • Applying appropriate insecticides to water storage outdoor containers.
  • Using of personal household protection such as window screens, long-sleeved clothes, insecticide treated materials, coils and vaporizers.
  • Improving community participation and mobilization for sustained vector control.
  • Applying insecticides as space spraying during outbreaks as one of the emergency vector control measures.
  • Active monitoring and surveillance of vectors to determine effectiveness of control interventions.

There are 6 symptoms of dengue fever, namely:

  • High continuous fever lasting for 2-7 days
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Body weakness
  • Bleeding tendencies from nose and gums
  • Persistent red spots on the face, extremities and trunks.

These symptoms appear 3-14 days after the infective bite.

Environmental modification:

  • Improved water supply – Whenever piped water supply is inadequate or available only at restricted hours, the storage of water in varied types of containers becomes a necessary practice that leads to increased Aedes breeding. It is essential that potable water supplies be delivered in sufficient quantity, quality and consistency to reduce the necessity and use of water-storage containers that serve as the most productive larval habitats.
  • Cleaning incidental water collections -Desert (evaporation) water-coolers, condensation collection pans under refrigerators, and air conditioners should be regularly inspected, drained and cleaned.
  • Managing public places – Municipalities should have in place a programme to inspect and maintain structures in public places such as street lamp posts, park benches and litter bins that may collect water if not regularly checked. Discarded receptacles that may hold water such as plastic cups, broken bottles and metal cans should be regularly removed from public areas.
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