Monsoon woes: DMHO calls for vigil against seasonal diseases

Visakhapatnam: The district health department has highlighted the imminent threat of seasonal diseases in view of the monsoon’s onset. A meeting chaired by DMHO Dr Jagadeeswara Rao on Wednesday focused on preventive measures against diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and diseases transmitted by insects.The meeting emphasized the importance of community action in preventing these diseases. "It is necessary to avoid stagnation of water in and around our homes, as this is where mosquitoes breed," the DMHO said.He advised residents to keep their surroundings clean, ensure proper disposal of garbage,and promptly fix leaking faucets to prevent water accumulation.District malaria officer Tulsi Raj cited some practical steps for mosquito control, including weekly changing of water in air coolers, treating stagnant water with kerosene or oil, and removing items like discarded tires and coconut shells that collect rainwater and serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.B Nageswara Rao, district media officer, stressed the importance of community-wide awareness and encouraged the storage of unused items in closed spaces to reduce potential breeding sites. He recommended the use of mosquito nets and fogging in the vulnerable areas to curb mosquito breeding.Dr Jeevana Rani, district disease control officer, highlighted the role of vaccination and urged the public to stay informed about preventive healthcare measures.Tulsi Raj, district malaria officer, announced proactive measures including fogging in urban areas and heightened community awareness campaigns to mitigate disease risks as the monsoon approaches.