Take steps to control spread of dengue: Health Minister

State Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has written to Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar and Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel, urging them to direct officers and employees to strengthen dengue control and fogging activities in urban and rural areas.

The Health Department is taking steps to reduce dengue cases in the state. The public is also being appealed to prevent water stagnation in and around their homes. Awareness is vital to prevent dengue and malaria cases.

The minister said dengue cases generally came up post-monsoon in October and dropped in November. However, since there has been no significant drop in the temperature, it has created favourable conditions for the spread of dengue. Hence, it was essential to focus on strengthening dengue control activities in vulnerable areas, she said.

To prevent dengue cases, the Health Department is conducting vector control activities and fogging around affected households. In urban areas, local bodies have been assigned the responsibility for fogging, while in rural areas, Panchayati Raj institutions are in charge. Deputy Commissioners, relevant officers and Panchayati Raj institutions have been directed to take interest in daily monitoring of dengue control activities and ensure effective fogging based on caseload and vector intensity.