The health department in Indore is taking decisive action to prevent a secondary health crisis by launching a focused two-day anti-larva drive in the Bhagirathpura area. This initiative aims to curb the potential spread of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, which could arise from stored water.
Stored Water Poses Mosquito Threat
Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Madhav Hasani explained the rationale behind the drive. He pointed out that with the regular water supply yet to be fully restored, residents are compelled to store water in underground tanks and various containers. This stored water becomes a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes, escalating the risk of vector-borne diseases. The drive, starting Thursday, is a proactive measure to counter this looming menace.
Ongoing Monitoring of Diarrhoea Outbreak
This anti-larva operation comes against the backdrop of a recent outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea in Bhagirathpura, which the district administration and health department continue to monitor closely. Dr. Hasani provided updated figures, stating that 24 new diarrhoea cases were recorded at the OPD on Wednesday alone, with four of those patients requiring referral for further specialized treatment.
Since the outbreak began, the cumulative number of hospital admissions has reached 437 patients. Of these, 381 have been successfully discharged after treatment. Currently, nine patients are receiving critical care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). To ensure a sustained recovery, health teams have conducted follow-up visits for 189 patients who have recently returned to their homes.
24x7 Medical Presence and Community Outreach
To manage the situation effectively, the health department has established a round-the-clock medical camp in the affected locality. A key focus has been on combating dehydration, a major concern with diarrhoeal diseases. The department has distributed 686 kits containing Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and zinc to residents.
Furthermore, a senior official highlighted ongoing community education efforts. Health workers are actively distributing pamphlets and informational materials throughout the neighbourhood. These resources educate residents on the correct method to prepare ORS, proper hand-washing techniques, and general prevention methods for diarrhoea, empowering the community to protect itself.
