Trichy corpn embarks on preventive measures

TRICHY: The incidence of dengue fever in many districts across the state has prompted health officials in the district to embark on various modes of sensitizing programmes to make the people realize the consequences of the infection.
The health wing of Trichy Corporation intensified its awareness measures about the prevention of dengue. In its latest measure, a vehicle fitted with an awareness cabin was introduced to spread messages on how to eradicate the source of aedes aegypti mosquito from February 1.
Public health department took the spreading of dengue fever seriously because of its negative consequences which could tarnish the image of the state government.
As far as Trichy Corporation limit was concerned, four dengue cases have been reported in February. The number of cases touched 33 in December last year and decreased to 21 in January this year.
Taking into account the fast spreading of the virus, the state level health officials advised the corporation to go on with the source reduction drive.
"We have 200 domestic breeding checkers (DBC) who are carrying out source reduction measure in the city limit. The nursing students of some colleges have also joined them. The drive will continue till end of March," said Dr S Mariappan, city health officer (CHO).
Even though the allopathy branch has medicines to treat dengue patients, many use siddha medicine 'nilavembu kudineer' for prevention of dengue.
As of now, Siddha doctors in the corporation had conducted 'Nilavembu Kudineer' camps in six schools. Besides, the drink is available in three centres at EB Road, Bheema Nagar and E Pudur.
In rural parts of Trichy district, the public health officials were conducting taluk level meetings to educate the people about the prevention of dengue.
However, the source reduction drive met with opposition from some parts of city and district because of the ignorance of the people.
In some of the rural areas, people were forced to store the water concrete water tank in their houses due to water supply on alternate days.
When the health officials advised them to drain the water in the tanks, they refused and entered into arguments. In some places, people complained of damage of their things due to the drive. Such unwanted things bothered the people.