By Staff Reporter
Emphasising the importance of public awareness and community participation in preventing dengue, a press conference on effective measures to combat the mosquito-borne disease was held at Swasthya Bhawan, the headquarters of West Bengal’s Health Department.Addressing the people of the State, Health Minister Dr Sharadwat Mukherjee urged residents to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures to minimise the risk of dengue infection, particularly during periods of increased mosquito activity.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted primarily by infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Unlike mosquitoes that typically bite at night, Aedes mosquitoes are active mainly during the daytime, particularly in the early morning and before dusk. They breed in stagnant water collected in containers, discarded plastic items, flowerpots, tyres and other objects around homes and public spaces. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and skin rashes. Severe dengue can cause bleeding, shock and other life-threatening complications.
The Health Department has stressed several precautionary measures. People have been advised to wear full-sleeved clothing and long trousers during the day and ensure that school-going children are adequately protected. Mosquito nets can provide additional protection while sleeping, particularly for infants and vulnerable individuals.
Residents have also been urged to empty and clean flowerpots, containers and other water-holding objects regularly. Discarded plastic bottles, snack packets and old tyres should be removed or disposed of safely to prevent water accumulation. Particular attention should be paid to cavities in trees, including papaya plants, and hollow bamboo poles used by roadside shops and temporary structures. Shopkeepers and organisers of public events have been asked to keep such areas free of stagnant water.
Health officials have emphasised that sustained surveillance, timely medical attention and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites are essential to controlling the disease. Residents experiencing persistent fever or other symptoms suggestive of dengue have been advised to seek medical evaluation promptly.The Health Department has appealed to citizens to maintain long-term vigilance, as changing weather conditions may prolong the period of dengue transmission.
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