Rapid response team to combat epidemic diseases during monsoon

In the wake of alarming dengue, chikungunya cases in the district, district health department has come out with a special team to tackle water borne diseases during coming monsoon.

A Rapid Response Team has been constituted to check water borne diseases. The team comprising of five male health workers, a laboratory technician and a group D employee will be reaching every remote village to under take preventive measures and combat epidemic diseases.

The team will provide technical assistance to staff as well as local public on how to prevent outbreak of diseases. A call has been taken for spraying to kill mosquitoes larvae in sensitive areas. The team will go around district and ask the Corporation to clear uncollected garbage, water logging and clogged UGD pipes, which pose a greater health risk for the residents. While in rural areas concerned panchayat members will be alerted.

This apart, a team comprising Asha and ANMs, and staff from 145 primary health care centers have been roped in to clean up places where mosquitoes breed, and also to educate villagers about spread of diseases. They have been provided vector control training. Water samples are being collected from overhead tanks and public taps and sent to laboratory to check for potability in order to ensure safe and clean drinking water.

An inter departmental meeting will be held on May 27, in which officials of various department will be informed about their role and responsibilities to avoid water borne diseases during monsoon. Corporation, Panchayat Raj, Education, Information Department officials will be participating in the meet.

Speaking to Express, Dr S Chidambara, District Vector Borne Diseases Control Office said: 'During monsoon cases of chickungunya, dengue will be on rise. Thus several measures have been taken to control the spread of these deadly epidemic diseases. The team will rush to the affected areas, and provide necessary assistance to the affected people including staff. We have asked the concerned officials to look into rain water / drain water not getting mixed with drinking water, which is the primary cause for Viral Hepatitis A and E.'

Another health officer said: 'With the number of dengue cases on rise, we do not want to take any chance. hence we are gearing up to chalk out all preventive measures to prevent outbreak of communicable and water borne diseases, including typhoid. People will be taught about hygiene apart from instructing them to drink boiled water, and keep their surroundings clean to avoid breeding of mosquitoes and several other measures.

Fact and Figures

From January to May 15

Dengue – 98 infected against 24 last year

Chikungunya – 42 infections against 24 last year.