Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 29: As heavy rains persist across Kashmir, the Health Department today issued a Health Advisory, urging people to take precautionary measures to safeguard against waterborne illnesses and mitigate the health risks associated with flooding.
The advisory has been issued by the State Surveillance Unit, IDSP Kashmir, which falls under the control of the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK).
The directives stress water purification, urging people to boil or chlorinate water intended for drinking, cooking, washing utensils, and hand washing.
“Water should be brought to a rolling boil (for at least 10 minutes) before consumption. Suspicious changes in taste, color, or smell of water may indicate contamination,” it said.
Regarding food safety, the advisory directs for discarding any food items or edibles that have come into contact with floodwater to prevent contamination.
On sanitation, disposing of excreta away from water sources has been stressed and avoiding open-air defecation. “Items soaked in floodwater that cannot be thoroughly cleaned should be discarded.”
On hygiene practices, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after direct contact with floodwater, before eating, and after using the toilet has been advised to the general public.
The advisory stressed that individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rash, or itching should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
“These precautions are vital to safeguard public health during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding. Stay vigilant and prioritize personal hygiene to minimize the risk of waterborne diseases,” IDSP said.
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