RAWALPINDI: The present spell of rains has increased the threat of various diseases, including dengue, which needs to be tackled on urgent basis as Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rain in the next few days.
The District Health Authority has urged the people to ensure proper oral, internal and external hygiene to keep diseases at bay.
District Health Officer Dr Zeeshan told APP on Sunday that as the monsoon season has started, the public needs to be more careful because monsoon reduces the immunity of the human body and makes it susceptible to many diseases, which are commonly associated with this season.
He said that the diseases associated with monsoon are malaria, jaundice, gastro intestinal infections like typhoid and cholera. He said that puddles of water, which gets stagnant due to rain becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. They spread diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
He advised to use mosquito net or mosquito repellents like mats and coils.
The DHO also cautioned the people to avoid walking in dirty water during the rainy season. This may leads to numerous fungal infections, which affect toes and nails. He asked the diabetic patients to take special care of their feet and always keep their feet dry and clean.
About anti-dengue drive, he said that the campaign is in full swing under which surveillance is being carried out in different areas of the city.
During the campaign, surveillance is continuing to check its occurrence in 46 union councils of corporation areas especially in union councils which were declared high risk areas last year.
He said that it is responsibility of every citizen to play their role for controlling dengue fever for protecting citizens by adopting all precautionary measures and taking steps for ensuring cleanliness and not to allow stagnant water in their surroundings.
Dr Zeeshan said that the spread of dengue is under control and no dengue case is reported in Rawalpindi due to timely anti-dengue activates of departments.
He warned that stern action would be taken against the staff deputed in the campaign if they are found negligent in performance of their duties.
