Thiruvananthapuram: Health department intensified preventive measures to combat the spread of communicable diseases during monsoon. To strengthen source reduction measures against dengue-carrying mosquitoes, health department has released a dry day calendar.Dry days will be observed every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from this week onwards. Schools have been asked to observe dry days on Fridays, govt offices and other institutions on Saturdays and households on Sundays.The decision was taken at the review meeting chaired by health minister K Muraleedharan and attended by district collectors and district medical officers, which assessed disease-control activities being carried out across the state.The meeting observed that while efforts are under way to prevent water-borne diseases, including Shigella infections, there is a likelihood of an increase in dengue cases in the coming days. The situation has been attributed to the disruption of pre-monsoon sanitation drives across the state due to assembly election.Food inspectors have been directed to conduct special inspections in schools, focusing on mid-day meal kitchens and drinking water sources. Collectors have been asked to ensure strict implementation of the dry day campaign, while health officials must coordinate with local self-govt institutions to strengthen sanitation activities. Health inspectors have also been instructed to intensify field-level inspections.The minister advised parents not to send children with fever, cough or cold symptoms to school. People experiencing health issues and attending public gatherings, including weddings, have been advised to wear masks. Visitors to hospitals have also been encouraged to use masks. Fogging operations should be carried out on days without rain, the minister added.
