DHS radar on vector-borne diseases at jetties after rains

Panaji: The directorate of health services (DHS) has issued a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent and control vector-borne diseases in areas where various types of marine vessels are anchored, such as fishing jetties and docks.
The guidelines, in the wake of intermittent rain across the state, cover boats, trawlers, canoes, water sport vessels and barges.Recently, the Cutbona jetty in South Goa saw an outbreak of cholera cases. Five deaths were reported due to the waterborne disease. The DHS has asked the fisheries department, captain of ports and health centres in coastal areas to ensure the implementation of the SOPs to minimise the risk of disease transmission in these marine vessels.
The SOP issued by chief medical officer (CMO) of the national vector-borne disease control programme cell (NVBDCP), Dr Kalpana Mahatme, states that essential screening for malaria of all the fishermen, migrant workers, net menders, those working on the vessels, and those staying at the jetties/docks must be carried out by the boat owners, contractors and managers immediately through the nearest health centre.
They have been asked to provide basic amenities such as clean drinking water, sanitation and proper hygiene to the workers at the jetties, docks and on all marine vessels. The SOP also calls for measures to prevent and control vector-borne diseases at the jetties and docks, as well as onboard trawlers and other marine vessels. It asks owners, contractors and managers to provide workers with mosquito repellents and promote the use of long-sleeved clothing and nets to those staying at the jetties and docks.
They have been told to appoint a nodal person for checking water stagnations and potential mosquito breeding sites on the jetties and docks, as well as on vessels on a weekly basis and take preventive measures wherever required to prevent mosquito breeding.
The guidelines are comprehensive and cover a wide range of scenarios and vessel types, ensuring that all precautions are taken to prevent the spread of vector-borne illnesses, Mahatme told TOI. “We believe that by implementing these SOPs, the risk of disease outbreaks originating from marine vessels can be significantly reduced, thereby safeguarding public health,” she said.