Warning against possible rise in diseases during monsoon in Palakkad

The district administration has issued a warning over the possibility of disease outbreaks during the monsoon and urged the public to take preventive measures against communicable diseases.

District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty stressed the need for vigilance and public cooperation at a meeting convened to review monsoon disease preparedness.

The meeting assessed measures to address a possible rise in diseases such as dengue fever, leptospirosis and hepatitis A during the rainy season. Departments were directed to strengthen surveillance and carry out joint inspections.

Special attention will be given to Akathethara, Puthupariyaram, and Kumaramputhur panchayats, where a higher number of dengue cases have been reported.

The meeting said that uncovered drums, tanks and other household water storage containers could become mosquito breeding sites. The Kerala Water Authority and local self-government institutions were instructed to jointly inspect affected areas and submit reports to ensure adequate drinking water supply.

Preventive steps, including measures to avoid water stagnation and maintain cleanliness in public spaces, will be implemented with the support of local bodies. Farmers and people involved in home gardening were also advised to take precautions against leptospirosis.

Meanwhile, the national filariasis elimination campaign will be conducted in the district from May 25 to June 10. Anti-filarial medicines will be distributed by health workers and trained volunteers.

Children below two years of age, pregnant women, terminally ill patients and bedridden elderly persons will be exempted from the medicine distribution programme.

Ward-level awareness campaigns will be organised in association with local self-government institutions and community groups. Health officials said special awareness drives would also be conducted among students, migrant workers and tribal communities to ensure wider public participation in the campaign.