Monsoon Brings Focus On Dengue Prevention

With the onset of the monsoon, the focus has shifted to tackling dengue, a vector-borne disease that poses a significant health risk during this season. Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has instructed private schools to ensure students wear full-sleeve clothing to minimize mosquito bites. Various departments in Delhi are actively working to raise awareness and prevent the spread of dengue through a multi-faceted approach, including the distribution of pamphlets, radio jingles, and genome sequencing of dengue samples.

Health Minister Bharadwaj has directed private schools to ensure students wear full-sleeve clothing during dengue season to minimize mosquito bites. The Directorate of Education has issued advisories and plans parent-teacher meetings to discuss further precautions. 

Municipal and Civic Engagement

To raise public awareness, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has printed 40 lakh pamphlets and will launch a radio jingle campaign. Additionally, ASHA workers have received training on dengue prevention, and genome sequencing of dengue samples has been intensified to track prevalent strains.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and distributing “dengue homework cards” in schools to educate students. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) are conducting inspections and deploying pumps to remove stagnant water in residential and industrial areas.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Dengue

1. Wear Protective Clothing: Ensure you wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
2. Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing to keep mosquitoes at bay.
3. Eliminate Standing Water: Regularly check and eliminate standing water in and around your home, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
4. Use Mosquito Nets: Sleep under mosquito nets, especially if you live in an area with a high incidence of dengue.
5. Keep Your Environment Clean: Ensure that your surroundings are clean and free of debris where water can collect and mosquitoes can breed.
6. Install Screens on Windows and Doors: Use screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
7. Educate Your Family: Inform your family members about dengue prevention and ensure they follow the necessary precautions.

By taking these proactive measures and staying informed, you can significantly reduce the risk of dengue during the monsoon season.