Monsoon alert: Health dept warns of disease surge

Belagavi: Following continuous heavy rainfall over the past four days, waterlogging and overflowing drains have raised concerns over the spread of infectious diseases. Increased humidity, stagnant water, and contaminated food and water supplies lead to a surge in vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, and waterborne infections such as typhoid and cholera during the monsoon. Staying safe in the rainy season requires targeted prevention strategies. Health department officials have urged the public to maintain cleanliness and prevent water stagnation, stressing that controlling mosquito breeding is key to curbing outbreaks.

It is noteworthy that dengue cases in the district have increased over the last two years. More than 600 dengue cases have been reported annually in this period, with numbers rising by 50 to 100 each year.

Stagnant water in low-lying areas, slow-flowing drains, and accumulation of dirty water near buildings are common, creating unhygienic conditions. Officials say people need to be cautious as such areas become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, especially the dengue-spreading species, which breeds in clean water. Health experts believe that disease spread can be controlled effectively only by preventing mosquito breeding.

Recently, zilla panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde held a meeting with officials of local bodies, the health department and the panchayat raj department to discuss precautionary measures. He instructed them to intensify awareness drives through village-level anganwadi and ASHA workers every 15 days to prevent the spread of dengue and other infectious diseases.

Mashnu Dundappanavar, a resident of Agasagi village, said ASHA and health workers are visiting homes in rural areas, but this is not enough to create awareness. Children, the elderly, and those with weak immunity are more vulnerable during the rainy season, and targeted prevention strategies are essential.

Health department officials advised that anyone experiencing sudden fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, or red spots on the skin should consult a doctor immediately. Public cooperation, along with the department’s efforts, is crucial in fighting infectious diseases.

The district survey officer advised ensuring that water does not stagnate around homes. Water tanks and containers should be cleaned regularly. Using mosquito nets, repellents, and wearing loose-fitting clothes can help prevent infections. People are also advised to drink boiled or purified water and avoid street food.

Dr Ishwar Gadad, district health and family welfare officer, said that dengue and chikungunya cases in Belagavi district are currently under control. However, awareness is being sustained due to the risk of outbreaks during the monsoon season.