Health experts outline steps to combat seasonal diseases

District Medical and Health Officer Dr P Jagadeeswar Rao raised an urgent call to action against seasonal diseases, with a strong focus on dengue, malaria, and other insect-borne illnesses. Addressing the media on Friday, Dr. Rao emphasised the need for preventive measures as the rainy season approaches.
Dr. Rao highlighted that diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and filariasis are transmitted by insects, making it essential for the community to engage in preventive efforts. He stressed the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites and taking steps against these diseases.
District Malaria Officer Tulsi Raj detailed a comprehensive set of measures to prevent mosquito breeding. Key recommendations include maintaining cleanliness around homes, avoiding the disposal of garbage in nearby canals, and repairing leaks to eliminate stagnant water. Additionally, residents are advised to change air cooler water weekly, sprinkle kerosene or oil on stagnant water, and remove items like discarded tires and coconut shells that can collect rainwater.
Further preventive actions outlined by Tulsi Raj involve introducing gambusia fish to control mosquito larvae and ensuring that water is not stored around homes every Friday. Other important measures include preventing water accumulation at construction sites and in flower pots, and installing gas pipes on septic tanks to block mosquito entry. These steps are critical to curbing mosquito populations and reducing the risk of insect-borne diseases.
District Media Officer B Nageswara Rao emphasised the critical need for public awareness regarding mosquito eradication. He advised the use of mosquito nets and regular fogging around homes to keep mosquito populations in check. Dr S Jeevana Rani, District Disease Control Officer, echoed the call for shared responsibility in mosquito control. She underscored the importance of cleanliness and awareness, including adult BCG vaccination.
Dr. Samatha, District RBSK Coordinator, highlighted the necessity of preventing mosquito breeding within homes and raising awareness about chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Tulsi Raj concluded the conference by announcing that fogging operations are already underway in urban areas, particularly around hostels, to curb mosquito growth. She called for public cooperation in maintaining cleanliness and reducing malaria cases.
Dr S Jeevana Rani, B Nageswara Rao, Dr N Samatha, and Nagabhushanam, MPHEO, and other health staff were present.