Preventive Measures: How to control infectious diseases

LAHORE: The Health Department has issued guidelines to the executive district officers for controlling outbreak of infectious diseases during the monsoon season.

They have been asked to ensure implementation of the guidelines by end of September 2013.

The diseases listed in the guidelines include gastroenteritis, malaria and vaccine-preventable diseases.

The EDOs have been asked to water supply points sources tested for quality.

They have also been asked to impose Section 144 to curb sale of cut fruits, ice balls, substandard ice cream and locally prepared uncovered drinks.

They have been directed to ensure provision of ORS packets, intravenous drips and essential medicines in all health facilities.

They have been directed to initiate awareness campaigns for personal and environmental hygiene.

They have been told to maintain coordination with the WASA, the Public Health Engineering and the TMAs for provision of safe drinking water. The Health Department has also issued guidelines for malaria control.

The EDOs have been asked to ensure mechanical, biological as well as chemical control of malaria.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2013.