DW BUREAU / MOHALI

Urging district residents to use precautions for protection from Dengue fever, the District Health Department has asked them to not let water stagnate anywhere in and around their homes.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Davinder Kumar and District Epidemiologist Dr Subhash Kumar said that everyone needs to take precautions to prevent this deadly disease. If for some reason dengue fever occurs, there is no need to panic. The patient should visit a government health facility where dengue test and treatment is absolutely free.

While soliciting cooperation and support of the people for the prevention of dengue, health officials informed that the inspection and awareness campaign by the teams of District Health Department for the prevention of Dengue fever has been going on continuously.

They said health teams are regularly checking coolers, fridge trays, pots, empty tires, boxes and other containers etc. The survey and awareness campaign in all the health blocks of the district is going on in full swing. For any information, the health department's helpline number 104 can be contacted.

The civil surgeon said, 'It is important to understand that many are simple fevers that can be treated at home. Normally, platelet count goes down with most of the viral fevers and all the viral fevers should not be taken as dengue fevers. In case of dengue fever, good intake of fluids, healthy home food and complete bed rest is required."

He added that dengue patients have high fever for five to six days. Platelet count may drop after the fever ceases. He asserted that goat milk, kiwi fruit or coconut water do not help in increasing platelets in any way. The patient should consume a maximum amount of fluids like water, juice, lemon water, and coconut water etc.

He added, 'Drink at least two liters of water daily which is also beneficial for a normal healthy person. Fluids not only prevent dehydration but also provide essential nutrients to the body."

He said Dengue symptoms included sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, skin rash, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

He said some of the immediate steps needed were removal of water from coolers and other small containers at least once a week, keeping overhead tanks covered, draining off water from the back tray of the refrigerator every week, and using mosquito nets or mosquito repellents while sleeping during daytime.
(editor@dailyworld.in)