Shillong, Jul 16: In view of the onset of monsoon season, the District Medical & Health Officer, East Khasi Hills District, has issued a health advisory underlining the common monsoon related diseases such as mosquito borne diseases, scrub typhus, water and food borne diseases, and mushroom poisoning.
The advisory underlined the need to prevent water stagnation that becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, using mosquito nets and repellents and wearing full sleeved clothing especially during evening, early morning hours and outdoor walk and to avoiding contact with dirty/flood water.
Storage of cooked food is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses. Ensure that food is refrigerated within two hours and reheated to at least 75°C before consumption, the advisory said and cautioned against consuming wild or unknown mushrooms.
Furthermore, the advisory said hand hygiene is critical and maintaining proper household sanitation and waste disposal to prevent rodent infestations that can pose health risks.
Institutions, schools and offices are advised to conduct weekly day-to-day activities to eliminate stagnant water, maintain campus cleanliness and proper waste disposal, availability of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities and to report unusual clustering of fever/diarrhoea cases immediately to the nearest health facility.
The advisory said that most seasonal diseases can be prevented through proper hygiene, clean environment, avoiding exposure, and seeking timely medical care.
