Kochi: Health officials’ warning against ediz mosquitoes`

Kochi: The health authorities in Ernakulam district have warned against spread of ediz mosquitoes in the wake of intermittent showers during monsoon that is conducive for the propagation of these types of mosquitoes that cause Dengue fever. The authorities have asked people not to allow stagnant water on premises.

“The warning assu-mes significance in the wake of reports of Dengue cases from certain parts of the district. Those who had contracted Dengue fever once may face ‘Den-gu Shock Syndrome’ that can lead to complications and death, if the disease is contracted again. So steps should be taken to make sure that stagnant water is present nowhere on premises or nearby areas,” said a health official. He said that activities should be undertaken every week to ensure the same.

“Terrace and sunshades, the tanks used for construction purposes, drums, the bends of plastic sheets used in roof, plastic covers, bottles, coconut shells, toys, discarded tyres, the trays placed beneath flower pots, unused water tanks and coolers, the surroundings of biogas units, utensils used for growing indoor plants in water, large vessels, discarded closets, washbasins, trays placed beneath refrigerators, places prone for stagnant water in estates and farm lands, the fallen shells of cocoa, the shells used for rubber tapping are among potential threats in this regard,” said the official.

He said that people should be cautious of the fallen leaves of arecanut plant, tender coconunt shells, the leaves of certain plants and the nests of certain birds. He advised farmers to keep the coconut shells upside down when tapping is not happening. Neem cake decoction should be sprayed in Pineapple farms to avoid breeding of mosquitoes. Cocoa shells should be broken into pieces to prevent breeding in them.

The health department official asked people to seek treatment in the nearby hospital if fever and symptoms of fever persists. People should be alert against H1N1, leptospirosis and diahrroea as well. A total of 61 confirmed Dengue cases have been reported in June from the district while the number of suspected cases is 134.