New Delhi:
Since January as many as 85 people have died in Tamil Nadu due to fever, out of which 35 deaths are directly related to dengue, said health secretary of J.Radhakrishnan on Sunday.
In a bid to prevent the breeding ground for mosquitoes, Radhakrishnan also appealed to people to make sure that tanks and drums that store water be "completely closed".
After visiting the government hospitals and neighborhood in Tiruvallur, Manavala Nagar and Tiruttani in Tiruvallur districts Radhakrishnan added that the government was taking all possible measures to prevent the dengue in Tamil Nadu. And those who are diagnosed with dengue, for them there is no shortage of medicine or blood.
“So far 85 people have died due to fever since January. We can relate 35 of these deaths directly to Dengue. The state government is taking every possible step to prevent the spread of dengue by creating awareness among the public on the precautions to be taken,” Radhakrishnan said.
The health secretary who is leading the efforts to prevent the spread of dengue visited neighborhood areas in Manavala Nagar and Tiruttani on Sunday and explained to the people on the need to keep water tanks and water storage drums “completely covered.”
“Uncovered or partially covered tanks and drums that store water is a very big breeding ground for mosquitoes. Every tank or drum should be covered completely so that they don’t become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. We requested people to follow these steps and those I met on Sunday were very receptive,” Radhakrishnan said.
Maintaining that the government has asked local bodies to clear the garbage in neighborhood areas to prevent the spread of dengue, Radhakrishnan also asked people to ensure that their tanks are cleaned at least once a week.
“During this season, tanks should be cleaned every week, before filling fresh water. People are very receptive when we explain to them on the do’s and don’ts,” he said, adding that people’s participation will be a big boost to the government’s efforts in controlling the spread of the dreaded disease.
