Villupuram district administration steps up disease surveillance ahead of monsoon

The Villupuram district administration has ramped up disease surveillance and preventive efforts ahead of the monsoon season to combat potential outbreaks of water-borne and vector-borne illnesses, according to Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman. During a review meeting, he announced that the Health and Family Welfare Department has intensified fever surveillance, mosquito-larvae control, fogging, distribution of nilavembu kudineer, and the organization of medical camps, particularly in rural regions.

This initiative is being carried out in cooperation with the Rural Development Department and local bodies. Officials are also focusing on sanitation work, fogging, chlorination of drinking water, and the prompt repair of damaged water pipelines. Collector Rahman stressed that dengue and chikungunya are transmitted by day-biting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are active during the day.

Residents are being advised to cover water-storage containers, clean tanks weekly, and remove discarded items that can accumulate rainwater. Other recommendations include changing water in flower pots, using mosquito nets and protective clothing for children, and collaborating with health workers conducting mosquito-control activities.

Symptoms of dengue, such as fever, body ache, muscle and joint pain, severe headache, fatigue, skin rashes, nausea, and stomach pain, are being monitored. Those with fever should stay hydrated and visit primary health centers or hospitals for testing and treatment if symptoms persist beyond three days. The public is cautioned against self-medication and urged to report any fever or infectious illnesses to local health workers, sub-health centers, or primary health centers.