Nadda Reviewed the Dengue Situation in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi

Dengue is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda was briefed about the readiness of states to tackle dengue. Nadda directed the concerned officers to work in coordination with the Swachh Bharat campaign to ensure a mosquito-free environment. He urged them to continuously monitor the situation and to keep him apprised. The states were advised that as no vaccine is available for prevention of dengue and as there is no specific drug for treatment of the disease, elimination of mosquito vector breeding needs to be the top priority to reduce the risk of transmission. They were asked to strengthen spreading information and awareness about dengue. An official statement said that Nadda has given topmost priority to advance preparedness of states affected by dengue in order to effectively manage the viral disease. He has been personally monitoring the situation and the preparedness of states.

The union health minister has directed the officials in the ministry to gear up to meet the possible incidence of dengue during monsoon. Nadda said, "We are coordinating with states concerned and are ready to provide all necessary support."

Under his direction, B.P. Sharma, secretary (health and family welfare) chaired a high-level meeting to review the dengue situation in the four northern states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Territory of Delhi on June 25, 2015.

Sharma pointed out that community awareness campaign plays a crucial role to create awareness and prevent panic in case of dengue spread. The states were advised to launch public awareness campaigns to disseminate information on the 'Do's and Don'ts of dengue' to educate communities for prevention of dengue. They were also advised to give priority to training of doctors based on the National Guidelines on Dengue case management, and ensure availability of dengue diagnostic kits (ELISA based NS1 and IgM) in all the Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals.

Source-IANS