Thiruvananthapuram: In the face of a significant increase in dengue fever cases across the state, Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday issued a call for extreme caution.

Veena George emphasized that the current outbreak should not be taken lightly and cautioned against self-medication. The fatalities need to be prevented, George noted. 

She was addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram.

Stringent preventive measures have been mandated for all districts, including an increase in testing. Furthermore, the minister stressed the importance of ensuring an adequate supply of medicines, test kits, and safety equipment. To coordinate these efforts, a monitoring cell will be established.

The minister called for an intensified focus on dry day activities during the forthcoming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with the strengthening of vector control initiatives. Health workers were asked to ensure personal protective gear, including the use of masks. The minister also mandated collaborative efforts with local authorities and the swift appointment of personnel to vacant positions.

It is advised that the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with serious underlying illnesses wear masks for influenza prevention. Parents are not to send children with fevers to school. 

The minister also emphasized the need for special attention to be given to leptospirosis cases. Individuals working with soil, mud, and sewage have been advised to take doxycycline tablets, as recommended by health workers.

Additionally, she emphasized the importance of enhancing sanitation measures within hospitals. Weekly cleaning of homes and surroundings could help reduce mosquito density and subsequently decrease the incidence of monsoon-related diseases such as dengue fever and leptospirosis.