With the onset of monsoon, the Health department is gearing up to control the growth of water-borne and vector-borne diseases in the city.The department in collaboration with district units and other civic agencies is making arrangements across the State to curb the growth of diseases during monsoon.“Diarrhoea becomes very common during monsoon and people must take precautions regarding their eating habits and cleanliness. The Health department works day and night to ensure the safety of the water we drink and the food we eat,” said Director in Chief, Health of Ranchi, Dr Sumant Mishra.
Deputy Mayor, Ranchi Sanjiv Vijayvargia said, “We have already started the cleanliness program. Active measures are taken to clean the drains and the sewage system so that people do not face much problem during the season. Our project would have been completed earlier if there were no technical issues. We hope that the process will be completed within three months,”Stagnant water and water logging at different places has increased the chance for mosquito breeding. RMC PRO Naresh Sinha said, “Fogging machines cannot be used in the rains to control the growth of mosquitoes. Rather we are indulging in cleanliness process for better health and hygiene during this season.”
“Water-borne diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms that most commonly are transmitted in contaminated fresh water or stagnant water. Infection commonly results during bathing, washing, drinking, in the preparation of food, or the consumption of food thus infected. Patients come with diseases like loose motion, cholera, jaundice, typhoid are common water borne diseases in this season,” said the Deputy Superintendent, Dr AK Jha at Sadar Hospital, Ranchi.“We should always wash our hands with handwash before having meal and after touching any foreign substances. We must drink purified water or boiled water. Cut fruits, roadside items, uncooked food and juices should be avoided as these are unhygienic rather we should have fresh food to remain healthy especially during this season,” added Dr Jha.
According to Civil Surgeon Ranchi Gopal Srivastava, “Stagnant water during the rainy season is the root cause for vector borne diseases in the city. These are the infections transmitted by the bite of infected species such as mosquitoes, flies and sand flies. Cases like Malaria and Dengue gets frequent during this season.”“It is advisable to keep our surroundings clean. We are supplying antidotes for all the water borne and vector borne diseases to all the heath centers of f the city. Moreover our workers will be spreading bleaching powder and disinfectant in various corners of the city to prevent the growth of any infectious species,” said the Civil Surgeon.