Gujarat took proactive steps to enhance dengue prevention and surveillance efforts before the monsoon season by observing ‘National Dengue Day’ with a focus on community involvement and public awareness. National Dengue Day, celebrated annually on May 16 since 2016, aims to raise awareness about prevention and promote public engagement in combating the disease. This year’s theme for the 11th National Dengue Day is “Community Participation Dengue Control: Check, Clean and Cover.”
The state government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, implemented extensive preventive measures statewide. Praful Pansheriya emphasized the crucial role of community support in the fight against dengue, highlighting ongoing control activities like “house-to-house” surveys. Health authorities conducted a comprehensive “house-to-house” campaign from April 27 to May 6, with over 23,000 teams visiting more than two crore residential and commercial premises.
During the campaign, inspections identified mosquito larvae in over one lakh houses, promptly destroyed on-site. Additionally, authorities eradicated over 27 lakh potential mosquito breeding sites throughout Gujarat. The government’s proactive approach also involved collecting and testing blood samples from approximately 2.56 lakh fever patients to enhance surveillance and early detection efforts. Dengue, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding in stagnant water, underscores the importance of preventive measures like regular cleaning of water-holding containers and eliminating potential breeding grounds.
Residents are advised to regularly clean water-holding containers, wear protective clothing, use mosquito nets, and seek medical attention at government hospitals if dengue symptoms manifest. Authorities caution against self-medication and recommend avoiding Aspirin if dengue infection is suspected.
