Eluru Collector calls for collective action to prevent spread of dengue

Eluru District Collector K. Vetriselvi instructed officials from the Medical and Health Department to intensify public awareness on dengue symptoms and preventive measures. She emphasised the importance of educating people during the National Dengue Awareness month.

The Collector, on Monday, unveiled awareness posters and banners on dengue, printed by the Health Department. She called for collective action to prevent the spread of dengue, particularly by ensuring cleanliness in surroundings and avoiding water stagnation. The Collector directed ASHA workers and health staff to form three teams and conduct house visits to raise awareness on mosquito breeding and its dangers. “If mosquito larvae are eliminated, dengue can largely be controlled,” she said, asking staff to demonstrate it visually to the public.

She also instructed the Panchayati Raj and Municipal officials to carry out anti-larval operations and fogging activities on a regular basis.

Stating that Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue, she said that they breed in stagnant clean water found in uncovered containers such as drums, barrels, flower pots, and unused vessels. These can often be found inside and outside homes, especially during the rainy season. She urged people to clean such containers weekly, cover them properly, and use engine oil or mud to seal rainwater-collecting spots. Additionally, she suggested placing a sponge or a cloth in refrigerator trays and squeezing them weekly to avoid mosquito breeding. “Mosquitoes that spread dengue bite during daytime, so people must be cautious while cleaning their homes,” she added. 

Joint Collector P. Dhatri Reddy, DCHS Paul Satish Kumar, District Medical and Health Officer R. Malini, District Malaria Officer P.S. Prasad, Aarogyasri District Coordinator Rajeev, DRDA PD R. Vijayaraju, Special Deputy Collector K. Bhaskar, and others attended the event.