Watch out for seasonal diseases even after rains: Harish Rao

HYDERABAD: Telangana Health Minister T Harish Rao said that there was a possibility of a spike in seasonal diseases even after the rains receded and asked the health department officials to be cautious. He said that the seasonal diseases were contained to a large extent through the rural and urban development programmes. Water-borne diseases were also on the decline after the implementation of Mission Bhagiratha scheme, he added.

The Health Minister held a video conference with District Collectors on Monday to review the situation due to seasonal diseases prevalent in the State. Speaking to the media, Harish Rao recalled how there was an outbreak of dengue soon after a spell of rains five years ago. He said that malaria was currently prevalent in Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts and said that preventive measures were being taken to control the spread of these diseases.

He said that malaria and dengue treatment kits had been made available in all districts. He also said that they decided to conduct health team activities every Sunday and asked the people to cooperate with the Government to prevent and control these diseases.

Harish Rao said that the Collectors of all districts would check the quality of mid-day meals in Government schools and hostels. Food safety officials were also asked to conduct inspections from time to time.

"In view of the increasing number of COVID cases, all people are requested to be vigilant and cooperate with the government," said Harish Rao. He also appealed to them to get the booster dose.

Harish Rao said that Ibrahim, who came to Kamareddi from Kuwait, was found to be having symptoms of monkeypox. He said that Ibrahim was currently undergoing treatment at Fever hospital and his samples were sent to the NIV lab in Pune. He said that all kinds of facilities were made available in Fever Hospital for the patient.