Mysuru: The District Health Department is making all out efforts to sensitise the people on the measures to be taken for preventing the outbreak of vector-borne diseases such as Chikungunya and Dengue.

Addressing an awareness programme at Pathrakartara Bhavan here on Tuesday, District-Vector Borne Diseases Control Officer Dr. S. Chidambara said that intermittent rainfall in the past few days has led to water stagnation in some areas, which has resulted in breeding of mosquitoes.

Pointing out that stagnant water in drains and roads are breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes which cause vector-borne diseases such as Chikungunya and Dengue, he said that mosquitoes will multiply if rains stop. However, continuous rains will ensure that mosquito larvae are washed  away, he said.

Asking the people to ensure that there is no stagnant water in their vicinity, he stressed on the need for taking measures to maintain cleanliness and hygienity in all places.

Pointing out that the Health Department undertook various awareness campaigns marking the National Anti-Dengue Day on May 16, Dr. Chidambara said that the number of suspected Dengue cases has dropped drastically in the past few years due to various measures taken by the District Administration.

Noting that there were three dengue testing labs in the city, he asked the citizens to ensure that no stagnant water is collected at table vase, coconut shells, old tyres, plastic buckets etc., in residential houses, as they are often the breeding ground for disease-causing mosquito larvae.

He also advised the citizens to use mosquito nets, coils, body lotions etc., to keep themselves away from mosquito bites.

Referring to Nipah Virus threat, Dr. Chidambara said that there was no threat of the deadly disease in Mysuru.

Maintaining that the Health Department has taken appropriate measures in the district for preventing any possibility of outbreak of the deadly disease, which has already taken the lives of over a dozen people in neighbouring Kerala, Dr. Chidambara clarified that no Nipah Virus case has been reported from any part of the district so far.