Hoshiarpur / Daljit Ajnoha /May 16— Under the directions of Civil Surgeon Hoshiarpur Dr. Mandeep Kamal and Senior Medical Officer In-Charge of CHC Harta Badla Dr. Manpreet Singh Bains, “National Dengue Day” was observed today at health centres, hot-spot areas, educational institutions and several villages in Block Harta Badla.
Dr. Manpreet Singh Bains said that India observes “National Dengue Day” every year on 16 May to raise public awareness about dengue and to promote hygiene-related habits. He added that the day is important for educating people about what dengue fever is, how it spreads and how it can be prevented. He stressed that preventing mosquito breeding is essential to protect against mosquito-borne diseases. Only when the public is fully aware of the causes of transmission, preventive precautions and the symptoms will we be able to eliminate dengue.
Dr. Bains explained that dengue is a serious febrile illness transmitted by the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito breeds in clean, open and stagnant water sources. He appealed to people to take extra care of themselves and their children in the morning and evening, when the dengue-carrying mosquito is most active.
Describing dengue symptoms, Dr. Bains said sufferers may experience high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, fatigue, skin rashes, and bleeding from the gums or nose. He urged anyone showing such symptoms to immediately get a blood test and consult a doctor at the nearest government hospital or health centre. He warned against self-medication and advised that only paracetamol should be used to control fever; aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken. He added that dengue testing and supportive treatment are available free of charge at the district hospital.
On preventive measures, B.E.E. Amandeep Singh said the dengue mosquito breeds in clean stagnant water found in coolers, plant pots, refrigerator trays, discarded tyres and broken vessels. He advised cleaning and thoroughly drying coolers, plant pots, bird water containers and refrigerator trays once a week. Ensure that water does not accumulate in old tyres or broken vessels kept in yards or on rooftops.
Take special care of local cleanliness. Wear clothing that covers the body fully to avoid mosquito bites. Do not keep drums and tyres in the open, and keep lids on rooftop water tanks tightly closed. Use mosquito nets while sleeping at night to protect against bites. He stressed that awareness is the best tool against dengue and that if every citizen adopts cleanliness and precautions, the disease can be controlled. The health department appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness around their homes and cooperate with the government’s dengue prevention campaign.