Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala health department has intensified preventive measures to combat the spread of communicable diseases during the monsoon season. To strengthen source reduction measures against dengue-carrying mosquitoes, the health department has released a dry day calendar.
Dry Days Implementation
Dry days will be observed every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting this week. Schools have been asked to observe dry days on Fridays, government offices and other institutions on Saturdays, and households on Sundays.
Review Meeting Decisions
The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by Health Minister K Muraleedharan and attended by district collectors and district medical officers. The meeting assessed disease-control activities being carried out across the state.
The meeting observed that while efforts are under way to prevent water-borne diseases, including Shigella infections, there is a likelihood of an increase in dengue cases in the coming days. The situation has been attributed to the disruption of pre-monsoon sanitation drives across the state due to the assembly election.
Directives for Inspections
Food inspectors have been directed to conduct special inspections in schools, focusing on mid-day meal kitchens and drinking water sources. Collectors have been asked to ensure strict implementation of the dry day campaign, while health officials must coordinate with local self-government institutions to strengthen sanitation activities. Health inspectors have also been instructed to intensify field-level inspections.
Advice for Public
The minister advised parents not to send children with fever, cough, or cold symptoms to school. People experiencing health issues and attending public gatherings, including weddings, have been advised to wear masks. Visitors to hospitals have also been encouraged to use masks. Fogging operations should be carried out on days without rain, the minister added.
