Strategies I will adopt to manage the crisis of dengue and malaria in my vicinity are -

Take preventive measures

One can prevent outbreak of diseases like dengue, malaria and viral fever by taking measures like using mosquito repellents and nets, installing screen on doors and windows, wearing full sleeve clothes and keeping oneself hydrated throughout the day. To prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, the civic authorities may add kerosene/petrol wherever there is stagnant water. Anti-larva spray and fogging should be done frequently. The residents welfare associations must check the insanitary conditions and stagnant water in their sector and take preventive steps to check the occurrence of these diseases.

Don’t let garbage accumulate

The lackadaisical approach of the Health Department is responsible for the spread of dengue in its present form. The fogging of sectors which should have commenced before the rainy season is yet to start. Waterlogging attracts mosquitoes and it has not caught the imagination of the authorities. The areas under construction need to be checked for mosquito breeding. Keep the surroundings clear and remove the garbage regularly. Elected representatives need to visit sectors.

Learn from mistakes

The tricity is in the grip of dengue, malaria and viral fever because we refuse to learn from our mistakes or draw lessons from the past. This happens almost every year. The authorities do not adhere to the standing instructions on prevention of these diseases and continue to live with deficiencies in terms of adequate medical staff and infrastructure. As a result, there are late reactions and delayed treatment, with inadequate medicines and doctors.

Monitor platelet count

Come monsoon and the dengue virus catches people unawares, especially those who have low immunity, resulting in high fever, headache, joint pain and skin rashes. Patients who confront such symptoms should be rushed to a hospital for check-up. If found positive for dengue, the patient should be treated under