The evening showers for the past couple of days might have brought respite for city dwellers from the sweltering heat, but this might lead to an increase in the number of water-borne and vector-borne diseases if left unchecked. With rain water getting collected and forming puddled along the roadside, drains getting choked around residential areas, breeding grounds for mosquitoes are formed.
A few cases of gastroenteritis, cholera and dengue are already being reported from across the state. In April alone, the city recorded 70 gastroenteritis cases and about 10 cases of dengue and chikungunya since January. April-June are crucial, as during these three months, water-borne and vector-borne diseases are on the rise, says Dr Manoranjan Hegde, District Health Officer, Communicable Diseases, BBMP.
“Water-borne diseases like gastroenteritis, cholera, Hepatitis A, typhoid along with vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya are most common around this season,” he added. When asked about preparatory measures to tackle an outbreak, Dr Hegde said, “We have prepared a joint monitoring team along with the BWSSB who will conduct regular inspections in their respective range. We have allotted three men for spraying disinfectants in each ward. A help desk to assist people has been set up in every maternity home, health centre and dispensaries. Four link workers in each BBMP ward have been alerted to generate awareness and distribute pamphlets in their respective areas. In case of any outbreak we will be setting up a health camp in the area.”
Meanwhile, the State Health and Family Welfare Department too have issued guidelines to check the outbreak of any water-borne or vector-borne diseases. Dr AB Chaudhary, Joint Director, Malaria and Filaria said, "There is no major outbreak as of now, but yes, there were a few cases of gastroenteritis reported. Drinking water and food that we consume need to be checked. Keeping one's surrounding clean and hygienic is necessary, especially during this season. "We have issued guidelines to all district health officers (DHOs). Disinfectants are being sprayed, and within a day or two, the first round will be completed. District hospitals and health centre have been provided enough IV fluids and we have instructed DHOs to collect anti-malarial drugs as well.”