To tackle malaria menace releases Gambusia fish in villages’ ponds
Health department starts its anti-malaria campaign besides fight against Corona
Ferozepur, April 25, 2020: While Covid-19 has become a global pandemic; malaria also stays as an increasing menace especially during summer days. In this context, the Health Department during its drive against anti-malaria campaign, has carried out a lot of activities to make residents aware of malaria and has also released Gambusia fish in villages’ ponds as it feeds on mosquitoes and its larvae.
With the start of summer, a rise in cases of the mosquito-borne disease like malaria, poses another layer of threat in a country where the health system is already struggling. However, unlike Covid-19, the disease is treatable at local level using rapid diagnostic tests. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the malaria group of people must remain committed to supporting the prevention of malaria infection.
To start with, the Gambujia fish was released in village Swaike in Mamdot block in a joint efforts by BEE Akhush Bhandari along with all male workers and Sarpanch Mandeep Singh.
Dr.Rajinder Manchada, SMO at CHC Mamdot stressed for the cooperation of the people as after Polio, as we are heading towards the end of making Malaria-free country. He said, the malaria fever spread with biting during day and night by Anafilize female mosquito.
Asking people to be conscious about their health, he said, the question is now to end this disease at its fag end and the involvement of people in creating awareness will be ensured. We have been telling people not to let water stagnate in and around their houses. Friday should be observed as the Dry Day,” he added.
Ankush Bhandari, BEE said, in the event of frequent fever symptoms one must visit the government health centre for immediate blood testing so that it could be diagnosed before it becomes chronic. He said, during summer days, the people should ensure the frequenting changing water in the coolers.
About Gambusia
- Gambusia fish feeds on mosquito larvae and is considered as an effective measure to control growth of mosquitoes
- It can be bred in house
- Gambusia can also be kept in a fish aquarium
Dos and don’ts
- Dry desert coolers once a week
- Use mosquito repellents
- Anti-mosquito spray should be done daily, especially behind curtains and below tables
- Wear full-sleeve shirts
- Clean water pots kept indoor every week
- Don’t keep uncovered utensil, pots and tyres on roof top
- Don’t allow fresh water to stagnate near houses
- Use mosquito nets for babies and old people
- Effectiveness of such nets can be improved by treating them with permethrin (pyrethroid insecticide)