T’puram: With dengue cases on the rise in the district, the district medical officer (DMO) urged the public to intensify mosquito source reduction measures to prevent further spread of the disease.The health department has identified several areas with a high density of mosquitoes, including Vattiyoorkavu, Nemom, Chettivilakam, Pangappara, Veli, Vellarada, Muttada, Thrikannapuram, Nandancode, Kunnathukal, Pulluvila, Karakulam, Attukal, Kottukal, Kallara, Balaramapuram, Rajaji Nagar, Fort, Thonnakkal, Puthenthope and Poonthura. Residents in these localities have been asked to step up source reduction activities.DMO said intermittent rainfall has created favourable conditions for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus infections. As part of preventive measures, educational institutions have been directed to observe a ‘dry day’ every Friday, workplaces on Saturdays and households on Sundays to eliminate stagnant water and mosquito breeding sites.DMO advised people to inspect rooftops, terraces, roof gutters and overhead water tanks regularly, as these are common mosquito breeding sites. Containers used to store water should be kept tightly covered, while terraces and sunshades should be cleared of stagnant water.Residents have also been urged to take personal protective measures while carrying out cleaning activities, including wearing light-coloured clothing that covers the body, applying mosquito repellents, and using mosquito nets while sleeping.The advisory also called for removal or proper storage of discarded containers, coconut shells, bottles, tyres, grinding stones, unused toilets and washbasins to prevent water accumulation. Indoors, people have been asked to regularly clean refrigerator drip trays, saucers placed beneath flower pots, ornamental plant containers filled with water, all of which can serve as mosquito breeding sites.DMO urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, body pain, skin rashes, vomiting or abdominal pain to seek immediate medical attention.
