Jaundice, dengue, rat fever: Danger ahead without precaution, alert issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Veena George has suggested that all departments should work in coordination due to the possibility of different types of communicable diseases arising from the heat wave and subsequent summer rains. Proper cleaning operations should be carried out with the cooperation of local bodies. Sanitation must be ensured in public accommodations and hostels as per the Kerala Public Health Act.

Wells and drinking water sources should be cleaned. Food safety checks will be strengthened, and it must be ensured that water in schools is clean. The treatment protocol should be strictly followed. The minister also announced that special fever clinics will be started in hospitals. Isolation beds should be prepared. Hospitals should assess drug stocks and ensure availability. The minister directed that the stock levels be reported before they fall below 30 percent. This directive was given during a high-level meeting of the districts.

Action will be taken against those who do not comply with the Kerala Public Health Act. It is the responsibility of the relevant authorities to keep public water sources clean, and they should be chlorinated at regular intervals. People with jaundice should rest for six weeks to avoid secondary infection. It was also directed to strengthen awareness activities. Campaigns should be organized to create public awareness. In panchayats, this should include mic announcements.

State and district level meetings were held to address epidemics and to take precautions to strengthen defenses. Diseases like dengue, rat fever and hepatitis-A are mostly reported. The minister directed that strong preventive measures be taken as the rainy season approaches. Care must be taken to ensure that cases do not increase, awareness must be strengthened and better treatment must be provided. According to the Public Health Act, strong measures should be enforced by the meetings.

Yellow fever was mainly reported in Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kannur, Pathanamthitta and Palakkad districts. It was found that jaundice in these areas was caused by contaminated water. All drinking water sources in affected areas have been instructed to be chlorinated.

People should drink only boiled water. Sick individuals should rest well. As the rainy season is approaching, caution is needed against dengue fever. A list of hotspots should be published. Dry Day should be observed properly with the coordination of local bodies and public participation to eradicate mosquito breeding sources. Proper cleanup should be done on May 18th and 19th. Pre-monsoon cleaning is very important. Mosquito breeding sites should be identified and eliminated.

Caution is also advised against rat fever. Doxycycline, an anti-rabies pill, must be taken by anyone who has stepped into contaminated water or rainwater contaminated with sewage. Doxycycline should also be taken by those handling soil in potted plants due to the risk of rat fever. Avian flu prevention activities in Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts were also discussed in the meeting.

Pregnant women and those with related diseases must wear masks as COVID-19 is still considered serious.

The N.H.M. Director of State Mission, Director of Health Department, Additional Directors, District Medical Officers, District Program Managers, District Surveillance Officers and Medical Officers of endemic areas participated in the meeting.