Take precautions to avoid malaria: CMO Dr. Rakesh Pratap

 Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite which is spread by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. This information was given by Chief Medical Officer, Shimla, Dr. Rakesh Pratap while addressing the students and others present on the occasion of World Malaria Day and World Vaccination Week organized at ITI Chad Ground, courtesy of the Health Department, on Thursday.
Dr. Rakesh Pratap said that the symptoms of malaria may include chills with shivering, high fever with headache, fatigue, sweating, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, etc. If such symptoms are found, the patient must go to the nearest health center and get a free blood test done. He said that the war against malaria is going on and the health department has made all the necessary arrangements on time to deal with this disease and necessary instructions have been issued to deal with malaria in the health institutions of the district.
The CMO said that to avoid the spread of malaria, do not allow water to accumulate around the house. Do not allow water to collect in objects like tires, bottles, cans, etc. While working, keep your legs, feet, and arms completely covered and keep your body clean. To avoid mosquitoes, ensure mosquito nets on doors and windows in the house and spray such places to kill mosquitoes. Use a mosquito net while sleeping. Keep the environment around the house clean. Do not let grass and weeds grow around the house.
Dr. Rakesh Pratap appealed to the general public to be alert about their health and if necessary, immediately seek consultation at the nearest health center.
On this occasion, Medical Officer Dr. Madhu Mitan also provided information about the spread of malaria and the importance of prevention and vaccination against this disease. In the program, health teacher Sanjana Dafraik also informed the children about the importance of vaccination.