Health Officials from Jaipur Hold Meeting in Kota to Prevent Seasonal Diseases*

*Kota, Health officials from Jaipur, including Joint Director (Epidemiology) Dr. Sunil Singh and Joint Director (Communicable Diseases) Dr. Subhash Kholiya, held a meeting with department officials and employees at the Health Building in Kota on Friday to review prevention activities for seasonal diseases. In the meeting, Joint Director Dr. MP Singh, Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Jagdish Soni, Deputy Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Ghanshyam Meena, and district-level staff were present.

Dr. Sunil Singh and Dr. Subhash Kholiya gathered information about the number and condition of larvae-consuming gambusia fish, the number and condition of fogging machines, and the state of microscopic materials in the district. They provided instructions for the maintenance of suitable hatcheries and microscopes.

Additionally, they emphasized creating awareness about dengue control by preparing questionnaires under the names "Harsh" and "Khushi" for all government and private schools from 5th to 12th grade in the district. Students will take these questionnaires home, have them signed by their parents, and then submit them at school. It was also suggested that discussions on dengue prevention activities be held during daily prayer meetings in schools.

Furthermore, it was recommended that the district collector instruct hostel associations and coaching institutions to conduct pest control and fogging in their premises. The institutions were also advised to procure fogging machines and ensure the regular cleaning of coolers, tanks, and other water containers.

Under the Rajasthan Epidemic Act, teams should be formed to find larvae in dengue-affected areas. Notices should be served to houses and hostels found to have larvae, and penalties should be imposed. Dengue-affected areas, including Talwandi, Anantpura, Mahavir Nagar, Kunhadi, etc., should establish local ward committees comprising local councilors, volunteers, NGOs, and mass members. These committees should encourage the community to observe dry days every Sunday in their respective areas to prevent dengue.