Health Dept issues advisory amid rainy season; urges public to follow safety measures
Flood-related diseases can be prevented through clean water, hygiene and timely medical care; District Control Room set up for emergencies
Harish Monga
Ferozepur, July 16, 2026: With the onset of the monsoon and the possibility of heavy rainfall and flooding, the Health Department has issued a comprehensive public advisory, urging residents to adopt preventive measures to safeguard themselves against water-borne and vector-borne diseases.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Meenakshi Dhingra said that contaminated water, poor sanitation, mosquitoes and other insects during the rainy season significantly increase the risk of diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, Hepatitis A and E, dengue, malaria and various skin infections. She emphasized that strict adherence to the Health Department's advisory can help prevent these illnesses.
Dr. Dhingra advised people to consume only clean and safe drinking water. In areas where water contamination is suspected, water should be boiled for at least 15 to 20 minutes and allowed to cool before use. Chlorine tablets, if supplied by the Health Department, should be used strictly according to the prescribed guidelines.
She stressed the importance of maintaining personal hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap before preparing food, before eating, and after using the toilet. Parents were also urged to encourage children to adopt proper hygiene practices.
Civil Surgeon further advised residents not to consume food items, fruits, vegetables, milk or any other eatables that have come into contact with floodwater or contaminated water. Only freshly cooked food should be consumed and food should always be kept covered to avoid contamination.
People entering flood-affected areas were advised not to walk barefoot. They should wear rubber boots, gloves and other protective gear, and wash themselves thoroughly with soap and clean water after returning.
Dr. Dhingra also called for thorough cleaning and disinfection of homes, water storage tanks, toilets and surrounding areas using bleaching powder or other approved disinfectants once floodwaters recede. Stagnant water and garbage should be removed immediately to prevent mosquito breeding.
She advised people experiencing fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rashes, itching or any other health-related symptoms not to self-medicate or seek treatment from unqualified practitioners, but to immediately visit the nearest government health facility. In cases of snakebite or bites from other poisonous creatures, victims should be rushed to the nearest government hospital without delay.
Civil Surgeon informed that the Health Department has already made adequate arrangements to deal with any flood-related emergency, including deployment of medical teams, availability of essential medicines, ORS packets, chlorine tablets and other emergency healthcare supplies. ASHA workers, ANMs, Multipurpose Health Workers and other frontline health staff have also been directed to remain alert and spread awareness among the public.
She further stated that a District Control Room has been established to provide assistance during any health emergency or flood-related situation. Residents can seek information or emergency help by contacting the District Control Room at 9465845173.
Appealing to the public, Dr. Dhingra urged residents to remain vigilant during the rainy season, avoid rumours, follow only official advisories issued by the Health Department, and immediately contact the nearest government health institution or the District Control Room in case of any emergency.