Measures to check dengue spread in Punjab

In a major policy decision taken by the Health Department facility of free dengue testing has been extended in 33 centres across the state. Earlier free dengue testing was available at only 26 centers which has now been extended at 33 centres. The supportive treatment will be free in all Government Hospitals of the State upto Community Health Centre level where dengue wards will be established and these will be affixed with mosquito nets. Rural Development and Panchayats department have been instructed to identify ponds so that all of the water bodies be seeded with gambusia fishes in order to prevent breeding of mosquitoes and thus diseases like malaria and dengue can be prevented.

Public campaign to prevent dengue:
Mr. Brahm Mohindra, Health Minister, Punjab has further appealed to public to participate in the campaign of preventing dengue by emptying and cleaning all the water containers like dessert coolers, flower pots, refrigerator trays and to cover all the water tanks once a week. Every Friday this exercise should be done in each household and every government and private offices to prevent breeding of mosquitoes. Health Minister desired that every government department must take lead in this and workforce should spread the message of “Every Friday: Dry Day” in every nook and corner of the State.

About Dengue:
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Dengue is spread by several species of mosquito of the Aedes type, principally A. aegypti. There is no specific treatment for dengue/ severe dengue, but early detection and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates below 1%.

By: Dr. Vivek Rana