CDGK plans to prevent dengue outbreak
CDGK will soon embark on a fumigation scheme and plans to issue public health service announcements in the media.
KARACHI:
The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) will soon embark on a fumigation scheme and plans to issue public health service announcements in the media to counter the spread of dengue virus.
EDO Health Dr Shahab Imam told APP on Tuesday that the health department is cognizant of warnings issued by doctors and microbiologists with regard to disease prevention.
Dr Imam said that the government is planning to spread awareness about dengue fever, particularly the fact that mosquitoes breed in clean, uncovered bodies of water, rather than stagnant water. He said that the media will be used to educate people about the importance of covering their water tanks and utensils and changing water frequently rather than allowing it to stand.
The doctor feared that the city’s reliance on water tankers and the unavailability of piped water could be a factor in the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Dr Imam identified the signs and symptoms of dengue virus as high fever, dehydration and occasional rashes. He advised citizens to use mosquito repellant and nets and use extra precaution if they have already suffered from the disease in the past. He also suggested spraying grass with kerosene or discarded oil to create a film on the surface which prevents mosquitoes from breeding and regularly changing the soil in potted plants.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2010.
The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) will soon embark on a fumigation scheme and plans to issue public health service announcements in the media to counter the spread of dengue virus.
EDO Health Dr Shahab Imam told APP on Tuesday that the health department is cognizant of warnings issued by doctors and microbiologists with regard to disease prevention.
Dr Imam said that the government is planning to spread awareness about dengue fever, particularly the fact that mosquitoes breed in clean, uncovered bodies of water, rather than stagnant water. He said that the media will be used to educate people about the importance of covering their water tanks and utensils and changing water frequently rather than allowing it to stand.
The doctor feared that the city’s reliance on water tankers and the unavailability of piped water could be a factor in the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Dr Imam identified the signs and symptoms of dengue virus as high fever, dehydration and occasional rashes. He advised citizens to use mosquito repellant and nets and use extra precaution if they have already suffered from the disease in the past. He also suggested spraying grass with kerosene or discarded oil to create a film on the surface which prevents mosquitoes from breeding and regularly changing the soil in potted plants.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2010.