THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said that since it is the rainy season, it is time to be cautious against communicable diseases. Everyone should be equally careful to avoid contracting dengue fever, influenza, rat fever and Zika. Prolonged fever can be contagious and should be treated early. Do not self-medicate by buying pills from medical stores. Fever clinics have been started in all major hospitals. Treatment protocols have been made available in government private hospitals and training programs have been organized for the staff. Essential medicines are made available in the state through KMSCL. The minister also directed that all hospitals should ensure the availability of medicines and safety materials.

The Health Department has launched a special campaign called 'Maariyilla Mazhakalam' as part of the health awareness campaign. Pre-monsoon cleaning activities were carried out vigorously in the state. Cleaning requires continuous follow-up activities. Houses, surroundings and institutions should be kept clean. This can prevent mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika. Destruction of the mosquito breeding grounds should therefore be ensured. The house and surroundings should be cleaned once a week. Indoor plant pots, Money plants and trays of the fridge are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and can cause great harm, so special care should be taken.

Destruction of mosquito breeding grounds is very important to prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika. Do not litter. Cover waste material to prevent rainwater from accumulating. Special care should be taken to avoid standing water in schools, institutions, gardens, construction sites and scrap shops. There should be a roof to prevent the scrap from getting wet. Water in tanks etc. in construction sites should be kept closed. Health workers and Asha workers should ensure this.

Rat fever will spread if not cautious. So people who come into contact with soil and water, ones who work and play and MGNREGA workers should take precautions to avoid getting infected with Rat fever. High-risk workers should wear gloves and socks. To protect against Rat fever, those who go into dirt, mud and standing water should take doxycycline, a Rat fever prevention pill, once a week as advised by health workers. Doxycycline is distributed free of cost through health centres. Any fever can be Rat fever so be careful.

Diarrheal diseases are the main illness that affects during the rainy season. Do not leave food and water open. It is best to drink boiled water. Chlorination should be done properly to prevent contamination of water sources like wells. Always cover the water.