ISLAMABAD: Doctors advised the general public to adopt preventive measures to reduce the chances of mosquito and flies born diseases during monsoon season.
While talking to PTV news renowned Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon Dr S M Qaisar Sajjad urged poor cleaning, stagnant rain water on roads, choked gutters and heaps garbage in streets are major causes behind surge and spread of mosquito-borne diseases in this season.
The health experts said that the delay in the removal of mosquito breeding centres in colonies, lakes, ponds and nullahs particularly in slums and neglect in conducting fogging and spraying operations are the main reason for the outbreak of dengue case in monsoon season.
The rainy season is a perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria which in turn leads to water-borne diseases that affects a lot of people.
The Health Department has been constantly asking citizens not to let water accumulate in and around their houses. Malaria and dengue are caused by mosquitoes and people should be careful of stagnant water in and around their houses,” said a specialist.
Another physician Dr Hassan said monsoon is the time when dirty water mixed with sewage and soil can cause infections. Overflowing ground water can contaminate tap water too. “Make drinking water safe by boiling or just stick to bottled mineral water to protect yourself against water-borne diseases,” he added.
He also advised caution against dengue, which is transmitted by the bite of mosquito that thrives in clean, stored water, the only way is to prevent from getting bitten. Wear full-sleeved clothes, use nets and repellents while sleeping and have a nutritious diet,” he added.
According to doctors, waterlogging on roads and lanes of cities localities are an open invitation of water-borne diseases and corrective measures should be taken to keep diseases at bay.
“Rain showers do make weather pleasant but also give rise to allergical problems. It is suggested that people stay indoors and avoid drenching themselves in rainy season. Besides, children should be taken proper care of and should be given healthy diet,” shared chest specialist, Dr Rao Haider.
On other hand, he said, similarly, the number of gastro, hepatitis A, E, typhoid and measles patients also surge in rainy season due to unhygienic condition and house flies.
Doctors said the concerned civic authorities should launch comprehensive fumigation campaign across the country in monsoon season to minimize the chances of mosquito diseases.
