Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika: Kerala health department issues warning

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Health Department issued an alert regarding the spread of diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika, noting the risk of mosquito breeding in stagnant water caused by intermittent rains. Health and Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan stated that comprehensive preventive measures are essential to curb the spread of these diseases and urged the public to adhere to the department's guidelines.

Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, headache, body aches, rashes, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Seek immediate medical attention at a hospital if symptoms appear; do not attempt self-medication. Doctors advise complete rest and the consumption of plenty of fluids as soon as symptoms are experienced. There is a high likelihood of Aedes mosquitoes breeding and multiplying during the intermittent rains.

A 'Dry Day' should be observed by eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites: at educational institutions on Fridays, at workplaces on Saturdays, and in homes on Sundays. Inside the house, care must be taken to prevent water stagnation—and consequent mosquito breeding—in areas such as the tray behind the refrigerator, the saucers under flowerpots, containers holding ornamental plants grown in water, and unused toilet bowls.

One should adopt personal protective measures against mosquito bites while engaging in source reduction activities. It is essential to wear light-colored clothing that covers the entire body, apply mosquito repellents, and ensure protection by using a mosquito net while sleeping.