Hyderabad: The Telangana Health Department issued an advisory on Wednesday as prolonged rains increased the risk of seasonal and vector-borne diseases across the state. The department urged citizens to adopt strict preventive measures and remain alert since the wet spell may continue for another week.
Director of Public Health Dr. B. Ravinder Naik warned that declining temperatures and rising humidity had created favourable conditions for malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. He advised people to keep their surroundings clean and eliminate mosquito breeding by removing stagnant water. He also stressed the need to observe a “dry day” every Friday by emptying containers, coolers, and drains.
Telangana health advisory stresses hygiene and mosquito prevention
The advisory asked citizens to use mosquito nets, window screens, and repellents to reduce exposure. It also cautioned against water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea and typhoid, recommending boiled or filtered drinking water. Citizens should wash hands regularly, maintain household hygiene, and avoid consuming outside food during the rainy season.
Health officials flagged seasonal viral fevers and respiratory infections as additional risks. They advised covering the mouth with handkerchiefs or masks while coughing or sneezing and avoiding handshakes or close contact when unwell. Such practices, they said, would reduce the community spread of infections.
To handle emergencies, health centres stocked essential medicines, IV fluids, and ORS sachets. Auxiliary nurse midwives, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi staff kept ready supplies in their localities. Ambulance services on dial 108 continued to operate round the clock.
The department emphasised that with heavy rainfall forecast to persist, public cooperation in following health guidelines remained crucial to limiting disease outbreaks.
