Srinagar, Jun 23 (KNS): Following the incessant rainfall and snow in the valley, health authorities in Kashmir on Thursday said that there are apprehensions of Water borne diseases and said that the people must take precautions while consuming water.
As per the news agency Kashmir News Service—KNS, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir—DHSK has issued an advisory urging the people to take precautions while consuming water.
In a letter by deputy director National Health Programme which reads, "As there has been incessant rains in Kashmir, and there is apperception of Water borne diseases. Attached is the health advisory regarding prevention of waterborne diseases, to be circulated in your districts Activate your Rapid response teams (RRTS) under IDSP in your districts."
As per the letter, the Deputy Director has requested all Chief Medical Officers of the Kashmir Valley to gear up the CHOS, Health educators in the district to give awareness among the community for prevention of water borne diseases.
“It is requested to take the water samples (from water source and user points) for testing in Public Health Laboratory under IDSP in your districts on a regular basis in order to ensure minimal occurrence of water borne diseases and outbreaks," reads the letter.
DHSK has also asked the people to drink water only after boiling it for 20 minutes, wash drinking water storage containers, wash hands with soap before eating food and after using the washroom and the contact period between soap and water should be between 15 to 20 seconds.
It also advised people to avoid open defecation and urination in order to prevent contamination of water sources, keep fingernails short and clean and wash raw food material such as fresh vegetables thoroughly before cooking.
“Chlorinate water, and if ORS isn't available, prepare homemade ORS and avoid prolonged contact with flood and dirty water and in the event of contact, clean the parts of the body with soap and water. Water washed diseases are caused by poor hygiene (inadequate water supply). They are caused when freshwater is scarce and contaminated water comes into contact with the skin and eyes. These are scabies, Eczema, Trachoma, lice and tick borne diseases,” it reads. (KNS)