Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Ludhiana: Medicated curtains to rein in dengue

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Ludhiana: Medicated curtains to rein in dengue

    Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/L...ow/4381700.cms

    Medicated curtains to rein in dengue
    9 Apr 2009, 2043 hrs IST, Simran Virk, TNN

    LUDHIANA: With a view to curb the outbreak of dengue, the health department is all set to introduce the concept of medicated curtains to give
    some relief to the residents. According to sources, these curtains would be treated with Delta Methylene chemical, which attracts the mosquitoes and instantly kills them. Last year, Punjab reported at least 3,000 cases of dengue fever of which 2,000 were from Ludhiana district alone, though unofficial sources put this number at 4,000.


    Sources said, in this regard, recently, a meeting of the department was held under the deputy commissioner. The department has already kicked-off an action plan, where all the sensitive areas are being identified.

    Giving details, Dr SS Dhir, district health officer said the department was planning to work on the concept of medicated curtains, which are already being used in Haryana.

    Under this, the department would be medicating the curtains and all the medicine would be provided by the Centre. The emphasis would be laid on using Temephos medicine in coolers, so as to keep mosquitoes at bay.

    Last year, Ludhiana reported the highest number of dengue cases as compared to other states in the country. Alarmed by this, an eight-member Central medical team reviewed the sudden spurt of dengue cases in Punjab and submitted the 12-point report raising questions on the working of the health department.


    It was highlighted in this report that the administration was not able to handle the problem due to lack of proper planning. The activities were carried out haphazardly, which was the main cause for the outbreak.

    The report revealed the community health staff and municipal staff emphasized on elimination of mosquito breeding in coolers by drying and empting them, but other breeding habitats like unused tyres, plastic drums, junks and small domestic water containers remain unattended, thus vector density was continuously maintained to support the transmission of dengue.

    Dr Dhir added from May 1, the department would be initiating certain programmes to create awareness among the masses. On April 15, a meeting of the health officials is scheduled to be held in Chandigarh, where decision would be taken regarding the medicines and medicated curtains. If things turn out smoothly, the paramedical staff would be trained in this regard.
Working...
X