The Hindu 04.09.2010
Steps taken to stop spread of dengue in Uthamapalayam
Staff Reporter
THENI: Preventive measures have been taken to stop spreading of diseases like dengue fever in Uthamapalayam block. A team of doctors and entomologists who visited Duraisamipuram near Kombai in the district on Friday identified 10 cases. Blood samples of five persons were taken and sent to zonal-level entomology lab in Dindigul. Joint Director (Public Health) K. Sadhasivam inspected the preventive steps by health officials.
The team confirmed that T. Lathika, three-year-old of Duraisamypuram, died of dengue fever.
However, it said that the cause of the death of another six-month-old baby at this village was due to bronchial pneumonia and dengue fever.
Entomologist C. Rajamanickam, who accompanied the Joint Director, said that measures like source reduction, fogging and anti-larvae operations were taken up to stop spreading the fever to neighbouring areas. House-to-house check-up was also undertaken with the support of Kombai town panchayat.
Collector P. Muthuveeran who inspected the affected areas on the basis of complaints from the public about possible spread of dengue fever said certain chemicals that would kill mosquitoes were sprayed on the walls of houses, water bodies and water stagnation.
Spraying of this chemical would arrest multiplication of mosquitoes for the next six months. Municipal and health officials had already started inspecting the areas and taken preventive measures. Officials and doctors at the Primary Health Centres at Thevaram, Kombai, Duraichamipuram and taluk headquarter hospitals were directed to keep the hospital ready to handle any tough situation round-the-clock.
Moreover, sufficient medicines were also stocked in the taluk hospital and all primary health centres. Similar measures were also taken in other hospitals in the district. Public may contact health officials on 04546-261403 in case of an emergency, he stated.
