Avoid waterlogging to prevent dengue outbreaks, says expert
On the occasion of National Dengue Awareness Day, a seminar was held at the District Training Centre in Kapurthala to raise awareness about dengue fever prevention. Addressing the gathering, Civil Surgeon Dr Rajiv Parashar highlighted the alarming fact that even a single spoonful of stagnant water is enough for mosquitoes to breed, urging the public to take preventive measures seriously.
The seminar was organised under the theme “Check Clean Cover – Steps to Defeat Dengue,” with the goal of mobilising community action against the spread of the disease.
Dr Parashar explained that dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which primarily breeds in clean, stagnant water.
He emphasised that increased public awareness is crucial in controlling the spread of dengue, adding that educating communities is the most effective strategy in combating this health threat. He outlined the common symptoms of dengue, which include high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting and in severe cases, internal bleeding through the nose, mouth, or gums.
During his address, Dr Parashar discussed simple but effective preventive measures that every household should adopt. He advised residents to ensure that no water accumulates around their homes, to properly cover water storage containers and tanks and to clean and empty water coolers at least once a week.
He also recommended wearing long-sleeved clothing during the day, as the dengue-carrying mosquito is most active in daylight. In case of fever or related symptoms, Dr Parashar urged the public to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government hospital or dispensary and avoid relying on self-medication or delaying treatment.
District Epidemiologist Dr Nandika Khullar also spoke at the seminar, providing insights into the ongoing field operations conducted by the health department. She explained that dedicated health teams have been deployed for door-to-door fever surveys and for educating residents about dengue prevention.
As part of this initiative, health workers are observing “Dengue Fridays,” a weekly campaign designed to reinforce the importance of mosquito control and personal protection within local communities. Dr Khullar emphasised that not all dengue cases require hospitalisation and urged people not to panic, but to follow medical advice and remain calm in the event of illness.
To further support the awareness campaign, posters on dengue prevention were unveiled at the seminar. The event saw participation from key officials, including Dr Randeep Singh, Dr Bharminder Bains, Dr Rajiv Bhagat, Dr Navpreet Kaur, and Deputy Mass Media Officer Sharandeep Singh, as well as other members of the district health team.
A large number of multipurpose health workers, sanitary inspectors, ASHA workers and school students also attended, highlighting strong community involvement in the fight against dengue.
The seminar concluded with a renewed call for vigilance and cooperation from all sectors of society. Health officials stressed that sustained cleanliness, community participation and timely medical intervention are the cornerstones of an effective response to dengue.
Jalandhar