The risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases is looming during the current season. To address this threat, the Health Department is conducting a ‘Halla Bol’ (all-out) campaign across the district to raise public awareness and eliminate mosquitoes; under this initiative, departmental teams are carrying out larva checks, fogging, insecticide spraying, and awareness drives. Led by Civil Surgeon Dr. Mahesh Kumar Prabhakar, the department’s field staff are assessing the situation by visiting factories, construction sites, public places, and individual households. Dr. Prabhakar stated that the Punjab Government conducts special activities every Monday and Friday to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Wherever mosquito larvae are detected during inspections, they are destroyed on the spot, and residents are advised on necessary precautions.
Significant data released by the Health Department indicates that dengue larvae are spreading rapidly in both urban and rural areas. In urban areas, the department inspected 112,473 homes, finding mosquito larvae in 2,507 of them. Similarly, out of 341,552 water containers checked in cities, larvae were found in 2,783. The situation is equally concerning in rural areas; inspections of 109,727 homes revealed larvae in 957, while 1,100 out of 211,549 checked water containers were found to contain larvae. The teams have destroyed the larvae at all these locations.
District Epidemiologist Dr. Mamta has appealed to the public not to take any form of fever lightly, given the rising threat. She urged anyone experiencing fever or severe body pain to immediately get tested for dengue. This test is being conducted completely free of charge at all Aam Aadmi Clinics and government hospitals in the district.
**Symptoms and Prevention of Dengue**
The Civil Surgeon stated that the primary symptoms include a sudden high fever, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea or vomiting, and red rashes on the skin. One should immediately contact a health center if these symptoms appear. **Advice on Prevention**
He advised people not to allow water to stagnate in old tires, flower pots, or coolers kept on rooftops. Observe every Friday as a ‘Dry Day’ by emptying and cleaning out coolers. Wear full-sleeved clothing that covers the body and use mosquito nets or mosquito repellent creams at night. In case of fever, consult a government doctor instead of self-medicating.
