PushpaGujral Science City celebrated National Dengue Day by organizing webinar on“Strategies to prevent Dengue epidemic during Covid -19 pandemic”.
Around200 students and teachers from all over Punjab participated through virtualmode. Dr. Kulbir Kaur, Director Principal, Punjab Institute of Medical Science,Jalandhar was key speaker at the occasion.
Shesaid that Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus transmitted by the bite offemale Aedes aegypti mosquito. It occurs during the month of July to October,as conditions were most suitable for breeding of mosquitoes. We are already inthe grip of a second wave of covid pandemic which was putting immense pressureon our health care facilities and if we face another epidemic of dengue itwould have devastating consequences and could lead to collapse of the healthsystem, she added.
Further,in early stages it was difficult to distinguish between dengue and covid 19because of similarities in clinical symptoms and laboratory findings,therefore, early and correct diagnosis was very important, she cautioned.
Dr.Neelima Jerath, Director General, Science City giving introductory remarks atthe occasion said that around 1,50,000 cases of dengue fever are reportedannually in our country and the risk of dengue has increased in recent yearsdue to rapid urbanization and deficient water management including improperwater storage practices in urban, peri-urban and rural areas, leading toproliferation of mosquito breeding sites.
Sheemphasized that prevention of dengue must be intensified through integrated andcombined efforts from various sectors to control and prevent its transmission.The key options available with us are to create awareness amongst the masses,control larval habitats around homes, workplaces, dump sites as well as, use ofinsecticide spray to reduce human vector contacts.
Dr.Rajesh Grover Director, Science City present at the occasion said that the NationalDengue Day celebrated every year on 16th May marks the need for preparednessbefore the transmission season of dengue begins in the country. He urged theparticipants to remove water from coolers and other small containers at leastonce in a week during Dengue season and stressed on the need to wear clothescovering arms and legs and use of mosquito nets/repellents while sleeping.