Punjab Newsline | Amritsar
With the threat of dengue increasing in Amritsar, the Health Department has intensified its awareness and prevention campaign across the city. On the directions of the Punjab government, anti-larval activities are being conducted at government schools, colleges, Guru Nanak Dev University and other educational institutions to prevent mosquito breeding.
During an awareness drive at Guru Nanak Dev University on Thursday, Civil Surgeon Dr Rashmi Vij said stagnant water during the monsoon season provides ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, leading to an increased risk of dengue.
She appealed to residents to cooperate with the Health Department in preventing mosquito breeding and actively participate in the ‘Every Friday, Fight Against Dengue’ campaign.
Dr Vij urged people to inspect coolers, refrigerator trays, flower pots, water tanks and unused items lying on rooftops every Friday and ensure that no water remains stagnant in them. She said the most effective way to prevent dengue is to stop mosquitoes from breeding.
Residents were also advised to wear full-sleeved clothes and use mosquito-repellent creams or other repellents to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
District Epidemiologist Dr Harjot Kaur said dengue is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Common symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes and vomiting. Bleeding from the nose, mouth or gums may also occur in some cases.
She advised people experiencing dengue-like symptoms to immediately visit the nearest government hospital for free testing and treatment.
District MEIO Amardeep Singh also educated students about dengue prevention measures. Posters and pamphlets were distributed among students as part of the awareness campaign.
