The Jharkhand government has stepped up its preparedness against dengue and chikungunya, directing all district administrations to remain on high alert as the monsoon season increases the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
The Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare has issued a statewide advisory asking Deputy Commissioners to launch immediate preventive measures and intensify surveillance to curb the spread of infections.
Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh has instructed district authorities to focus on vulnerable and waterlogged areas where mosquito breeding is more likely. He has asked officials to ensure that breeding sites are identified and eliminated on priority to prevent a rise in cases during the rainy season.
The advisory notes that both dengue and chikungunya are viral illnesses transmitted through the bite of the female Aedes mosquito, which breeds in clean, stagnant water.
Common breeding grounds include water stored in coolers, uncovered tanks, buckets, plastic containers, discarded bottles, old tyres and other items where rainwater accumulates. The department has stressed the need for regular cleaning of such locations and prompt removal of stagnant water.
To strengthen the prevention drive, the Health Department has directed municipal corporations, municipal councils, district administrations, Multi-Purpose Workers (MPWs), Sahiyas and community volunteers to work in coordination to detect and destroy mosquito breeding sites.
Every district has also been asked to prepare a detailed action plan and submit it to the state headquarters, with dengue and chikungunya control being treated as a priority.
Door-to-door vector surveillance will form a major part of the campaign. Health workers will inspect residential areas to identify mosquito larvae and eliminate breeding sources. Districts have also been instructed to ensure the availability of essential surveillance equipment, including plastic dippers, pipettes and larva collection vials.
The department has appealed to residents to play an active role in preventing the spread of the diseases by ensuring that water does not stagnate in or around their homes. People have been advised to clean coolers and water storage containers regularly, keep overhead tanks covered and seek medical attention at the nearest health facility if they develop fever, instead of resorting to self-medication.
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