TS: Health Department Issues Advisory to Combat Monsoon Illnesses: Tips and Precautions

The advisory released by public health director Dr B. Ravindra Naik asked residents to secure doors and windows with mosquito nets and screens. Beds and cribs need to be covered with mosquito nets and preferably insecticide-treated. The net should have 156 holes in a square inch tucked around the bed.

Children are advised to wear light-coloured clothes, to cover their arms and legs. Applying mosquito repellents was recommended before going outdoors.

Water stagnation must be avoided. Septic tanks must covered with a mesh to prevent mosquito breeding. The advisory suggested observance of "Friday dry day" every week to remove stagnant water.

For prevention of water borne infections like acute gastroenteritis, jaundice and typhoid, citizens were advised to drink and carry filtered or boiled water from home or use bottled water when outside. Washing of hands frequently, avoid eating outside, especially raw, pre-cut and uncovered food sold in the open like chaat, salads, fruits and juices were recommended along with eating freshly made home-cooked food. Leftovers mist be discarded, it said.

To safeguard oneself against airborne infections like viral fever, conjunctivitis and influenza, it was advised to avoid shaking hands, sharing food, water and clothes with infected persons. The Covid-period precautions such as avoiding touching door handles, table tops, lift buttons, cover the mouth when sneezing or coughing and use of disposable tissues was advised.

In case of any health emergency, call 108 ambulance services.

As a part of precautionary measures, the government has made elaborate arrangements by providing special beds, IV fluids, and essential medicines at all the public health facilities and ORS sachets are made available with ANMs / ASHAs / Anganwadi workers to meet any exigencies, the advisory said.