IEP Chandigarh July 15, 2022

The situation of Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) namely Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is well under control in Haryana. All necessary measures for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of VBDs are in place. All four VBDs prevalent in the State have been made notified till March 31, 2024 under Epidemic Disease Act.

This was informed by Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Sh. Rajiv Arora while presiding over an inter-sectoral meeting with the representatives of various Departments chalk out the cumulative strategy for the prevention and control of Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs). MD, National Health Mission, Sh. Prabhjot Singh, Director General Health Services, Dr. Veena Singh and Additional Director General Health Services (ADGHS), Dr. Usha Gupta also attended the meeting.

Haryana is poised to the path of malaria elimination

He said that Haryana is poised on the path to malaria elimination. Since 2015, there is a steady decline in malaria incidence in the State. As many as 9308 Malaria cases were reported during the year 2015 which reduced to 54 cases during the year 2021. Seven Districts viz. Ambala, Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra and Rohtak reported ‘Zero Indigenous Malaria Case’ during the year 2021. District Kaithal has achieved ‘Zero Indigenous Case Status’ for last three consecutive years i.e. since 2019 and District Ambala and Jind for last two consecutive years.

Mission Director, NHM,Sh. Prabhjot Singh informed that seeing the multi-sectoral approach for proper management of stagnant water, the help of other sectors and community is essential for prevention & control of VBDs and therefore inter-sectoral meeting has been convened to seek the help of other Departments/Sectors for proper management.

Wearing of full sleeve uniforms by students may also be ensured

Sh. Prabhjot Singh said that Education Department has been directed to sensitize school children in prayer assembly about VBDs like dengue, malaria and sensitize them to observe every Sunday as ‘Drying Day’ in their home and school premises i.e. emptying of water from coolers, uncovered water containers, pots, bird-baths, rooftop water carrying utensils/disposable cups, bottles etc. wearing of full sleeve uniform by students may also be ensured, especially during the transmission season.

27 Dengue Testing Labs are functional in the state

ADGHS, Dr. Usha Gupta said that the Dengue test is free in Govt. hospitals and at present, total 27 Dengue Testing Labs are functional in the state, at least one in each District. In addition, private hospitals/labs are restricted to charge maximum Rs. 600/- for the recommended dengue test (ELISA-based NS1 and IgM). Platelets is provided free of cost to dengue patients of Haryana residents admitted to Government Hospitals since 2020. Total 5 Government platelet apheresis facilities and 72 private apheresis facilities are functional in the State.

List of Do and Don’ts released

For public awareness, it was apprised in the meeting that Potholes around houses be filled with sand. Water from coolers, flower pots, handles etc. be emptied once a week and scrubbed properly to kill the eggs of mosquitoes. Wear full sleeve clothes. Use mosquito repellants and Bednets (machhardani). Use mosquito proof wire-nets on doors & windows. Cover the overhead water tanks & other household water containers. Ensure insecticide spray in each room of the house in high-risk areas and don’t paint the house at least for 3 months after the spray. Co-operate during spray operations. Seek Doctor’s advise on having fever immediately.

Further, it was informed that do not take Aspirin or Brufen, or Ibubrufen by your own. Don’t allow water to stagnate inside houses and surroundings for more than a week. Don’t throw the broken cups, disposable cups/ glasses unused tyres, pots, plastic bottles etc. in open so that water may not get accumulated in these containers during rain. If it is not possible to keep these items inside, cover these with tarpaulin. Don’t fill the cooler with water while it is not in use. Don’t let the water to accumulate around hand pumps and taps.