Commissioner Hyderabad Ahmed Bux Narejo while taking notice of the emergence of Naegleria disease, which claimed the deaths of ten persons in Karachi has directed the officers of Health Department and Water and Sanitation Agency to take precautionary measures in advance so that this fatal disease may not be erupted. The Commissioner directed this while presiding over a meeting here at his office on Thursday in connection with adopting precautionary measures about Naegleria disease.
He said that since it was waterborne disease, it is therefore, more care about the consumption of water is required. He said that though with the grace of Allah Almighty no case of Naegleria disease has been reported in Hyderabad district till date but to adopt precautionary measures are essential. He said that by this methodology we can prevent the ways and means of this disease. He directed the Managing Director WASA to collect the samples of water from different points at consumers end and get the same examined and evaluated so that severity of the situation could be ascertained and faced accordingly. He also directed him for chlorination of its all water reservoirs and water bodies at filter plants in regular manner. He directed the officers of Health Department to prepare health awareness literatures subject to adopt precautionary measures by individuals and organizations within shortest possible time so that same could be circulated, distributed to the people in their own interest. The Commissioner also directed the Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad to get this awareness material distributed door to door through health workers during their three day Polio Eradication Campaign to be started from October 15, in the district. The Commissioner said that in addition to that Health Education Wing of Provincial Health Department, general practitioners (G.P) / doctors and print and electronic media could play vital role in creating awareness about taking precautionary measures to avoid this disease. While briefing the meeting, the Water Technologist said that usage of chlorine/liquid bleach in the water tanks or using boiled water both for washing and consumption was the only solution to avoid this disease.
