After the floods in Bharuch, the health department has been alerted to prevent the epidemic: Work started on a war footing, more than 12 lakh people were monitored from house to house

After the flood waters receded in Bharuch district, the district health department has started work on a war footing to prevent the epidemic and to provide timely health services to the people. Continuous services are being provided through surveillance, drug distribution, chlorination, health awareness and medical camps. A total of 860 members of 430 surveillance teams have been deployed by the health department in the affected areas. These teams are going door-to-door to check the health of the people. So far, 12,04,519 people have been under surveillance. During the surveillance, 2,185 cases of fever, 1,347 cases of diarrhoea and 2,374 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) have been reported. According to the health department, all patients are being provided timely treatment and necessary medicines. Necessary action is being taken by constantly monitoring the suspected cases. The district health department has distributed 1,12,051 chlorine tablets to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases after the floods. Also, 8,125 packets of ORS have been delivered to people to prevent dehydration. Continuous awareness is also being carried out by health workers on use of clean water, habits of regular hand washing, food hygiene and maintaining personal hygiene in the affected areas. The district health department has appealed to the people to take precautions and immediately contact the nearest health centre if they notice any symptoms of the disease.