Vector-destruction measures to be intensified

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The meeting at the Directorate of Health Services to evaluate the epidemics has decided to intensify the vector-destruction measures in the state and especially in the coastal district of Alappuzha.The Health Department has urged the people to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikunguniya in the state.The intermittent rain in the state is ideal for the multiplication and spread of aedes mosquitoes responsible for the spread of chikunguniya and dengue. Activities aimed at identification and destruction of mosquitoes at source has to be intensified, said a statement from the Directorate of Health Services. The aedes mosquitoes multiply in stagnant fresh water in and around the house. Collection of water in thrown away vessels, coconut shells, plastic cups, tyre, bottles and even grinding stones have to be avoided.People should take care not to allow water log in sunshades and terraces of houses. Water tanks and other big vessels for collecting water has to be kept covered. Garden pots, drains, fridge, cooler and even coconut shells in rubber plantations should be monitored so as not to allow water to get stagnant in them.Apart from this, people should also take measures to avoid mosquito bites using mosquito nets, mosquito repellents and so on.