The Lautoka City Council (LCC) has intensified its efforts to address the ongoing dengue outbreak through extensive clean-up initiatives and systematic mosquito control actions. CEO Mohammed Anees Khan noted that the situation has raised significant alarm, necessitating proactive steps, especially with the impending rainy season.
In two months, the council’s clean-up initiatives have successfully removed an impressive 2,014 truckloads of waste, totaling around 1,492 tonnes, which have been properly disposed of at landfill sites. This effort is a part of a broader strategy that also includes targeted anti-mosquito spraying in high-risk areas. These regions encompass Namoli Village, Andhra Street, and several others identified as hotspots for dengue transmission.
Khan points out that while mosquito spraying can kill adult mosquitoes, it serves only as a temporary measure unless breeding sites are eliminated. He urges the community’s involvement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cleanliness and promoting the council’s user-pay refuse collection service as a pivotal strategy against dengue.
Moreover, LCC has continued its collaboration with the Ministry of Health, which provides regular updates on confirmed dengue cases and identified hot zones. In a bid to raise awareness further, the council has issued a list of preventative actions that residents can undertake, such as destroying water-retaining containers, covering water storage, and utilizing mosquito nets and repellents.
His statements echo previous initiatives that highlighted the necessity of community engagement in prevention efforts against dengue, especially in areas like Matawalu Village, where similar clean-up campaigns have also been launched.
Local organizations, including the Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association (LRRA), are also stepping up. LRRA president Narayan Reddy has offered to assist the council in these efforts, vowing to donate 20 litres of mosquito spray to enhance spraying campaigns. Such collaborative efforts provide hope that, through community participation and education, the region can regain control over the dengue situation.
As symptoms of dengue include fever, headaches, joint pain, and rashes, residents are encouraged to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any of these symptoms.
In all these efforts, the message is clear: a united community effort is crucial in safeguarding public health and mitigating the spread of diseases such as dengue fever. By taking immediate preventive actions and enhancing hygiene awareness, there is optimism that the community can thrive despite the challenges posed by this outbreak.
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