Vector Borne Diseases

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Prevention & Control of Vector Borne Diseases

The Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are a group of communicable diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and other vectors namely Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Kala-azar and Lymphatic filariasis. The major vector-borne diseases, together, account for around 17% of all infectious diseases (WHO). Since 2014, major outbreaks of dengue, malaria, Chikungunya yellow fever and Zika have noted.

Measures Taken For Prevention of Vector Born Diseases

Prevention of mosquito-borne diseases effectively relies on the support and co-operation of both public and private sectors with the government.

Practicing methods of Vector control
House to House Visit (Active Surveillance)
  • Conducting House-To-House survey as per the Schedule of Health & Family Welfare, Govt of WB as well as other days of the month involving health volunteers thorough out HMC area
  • Surveillance of fever cases and collection of detailed information of those fever cases whose blood test report is positive for Dengue/Malaria promptly
Regular Vector Control Work

Following “Integrated Vector Control Management” method.

Central Rapid Action Team
  • Act on need-based manner.
  • Especially skilled to identify and destroy breeding spots of mosquitoes, Larvicidal spray and fogging in indicated cases.
Environmental risk Factor assessment and Management
  • Serving notice under section 237(A) HMC Act 1980- process of handing over a legal Notice to the Proprietor/Owner/Resident/etc of a house/factory of an under-construction building/site if mosquito larvae found by HMC Heath department staffs.
  • Enforcement of Building Law
  • Implementation of Amended HMC Act 159A – process of handing over a legal Notice to the Proprietor/Owner/Resident/etc of a house/factory of an under-construction building/site if probable mosquito breeding sites found by HMC Heath department staffs.
Early diagnosis and Case Management

Seek medical consultation immediately- Falling ill, especially having a fever - you should seek medical consultation promptly at your nearest Health Unit run by Health Department, HMC

  • Augmentation of Lab services at all functional UPHCs under HMC.
  • All the fever cases attending at UPHC are being tested for malaria through RDK (Antigen based).
  • All the suspected Dengue cases are tested through ELISA method at Sentinel Surveillance Lab at 50, Panchanantala Road.
  • Referral of the indicated cases at State general Hospitals and District Hospital.
IEC/ BCC Activities
  1. A central Rally for mass awareness on prevention and control of vector borne disease has been already done on Feb, 2017, 2018 & 2019.
  2. Distribution of Multi coloured Pictorial Simple, inexpensive print materials (leaflets, booklets, posters, stickers) along with possible “issues & remedies”. Emphasis given on positive behaviour change rather than the negative consequences of current behaviour.
  3. For Mass awareness of community people, hoarding, banners and flexes was displayed at prominent places, venues & UPHCs..
  4. Magic shows/puppet shows, Street drama performance at Ward level, public as Magic shows are an effective means to attract children, mother, adult and to promote awareness.
  5. Tabloo car with IEC material and audio promotion to reach grass root peoples specially the vulnerable populations for generating effective awareness on health issues.
  6. School awareness camps to generate awareness among students which can percolate deep into the society through behaviour and practices.
  7. Inter-personal Communication by the HTHS workers throughout the year during the H-T-H visit as this is an ideal campaign method which is sustained over time to foster changes in social and behavioural norms.
  8. LED display boards at UPHC levels are used to promote health hygiene, health practices, Do’s & Don’ts in case of health emergency etc with the people availing the services at UPHC
  9. Awareness kiosks – put up at prominent spots within the area of HMC along with micing of awareness audio, distribution of awareness leaflets by IEC workers
  10. Other awareness initiatives are in pipeline for successful IEC/BCC on VBD
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