Chandigarh, July 11, 2023: In wake of flood-like situation in various parts of state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department on Tuesday issued a health advisory to save people from water-borne or vector-borne diseases. There are high chances of spread of such diseases due to accumulation of water.
Informing about the advisory, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Adarshpal Kaur stated that to keep people safe and healthy during such natural calamities, the health department is always on its toes and the department has been providing round the clock health services in the affected areas.
Urging people to follow the advisory in letter and spirit, she said that only safe drinking water should be used and boiled water is most preferable for drinking. Frequent hand washing with soap is a must to prevent infections.
The advisory reads that Food Materials soaked in flood water should not be used. If anyone develops fever or diarrhoea, they should seek health care in Government health facilities including medical camps and should not give self-treatment. If any clustering of cases (i.e. more than 3 cases of infectious disease in the same locality) is noticed, the nearby health facility should be informed.
The advisory further reads that bacterial Skin infections are common during floods due to contaminated water and insect bites and to prevent such infections people are advised to wear rubber boots and full sleeves clothes. Visit the nearest health care facility to avail any kind of treatment.
The department has also advised that not to enter flood waters as snake bites are also common during floods. If you need to enter the water, wear suitable long boots. In case of snake bite, take the patient to the nearest health facility at the earliest.
Dr Adarsh Pal directed the officials concerned to spray Larvicides for the prevention of outbreaks of vector-borne diseases. The State HQs team is monitoring all operations on a minute to minute basis, she added.
