Question

What are the various public health measures, which you would suggest as safeguard against infectious diseases?

Answer 1

1. Proper disposal of garbage: Garbage should be collected and transported regularly to disposal places.
2. Proper drainage system: Drains should be covered to prevent flies and mosquitoes from multiplying. Any barrier should be addressed quickly.
3. Isolation: To prevent infection, individuals with infectious diseases should be kept separate from others.
4. Sanitation: Maintaining clean surroundings can help prevent disease spread. This involves proper waste disposal, cleaning and disinfecting water sources, and following sanitary standards in public catering.
5. Eradication of vectors: It is essential for eliminating vectors and their breeding places. This can be accomplished by:
   • Preventing stagnant water in and near residential areas.
   • Regularly clean household coolers.
   • Use mosquito netting.
   • Introducing mosquito larva-eating fish such as Gambusia into ponds.
   • Spraying insecticides into ditches, swamps, and drainage areas.
   • Wire mesh should be constructed on all doors and windows.
6. Vaccination and immunisation: This has enabled us to eradicate fatal diseases such as smallpox. Vaccines have effectively reduced a wide range of other infectious diseases, including polio, diphtheria, pneumonia, and tetanus.
7. Control of pollution: Anti-pollution laws must be strictly enforced.
8. Drinking clean water: Drinking water must be filtered and free of contaminants, suspended and dissolved matter.
9. Education: People should be educated on communicable diseases so that they can protect themselves against infection.