Health Department Issues Advisory Amid Rising Risk of Water- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases During Monsoon
People advised to avoid stale and uncovered food, drink boiled water and prevent water stagnation around homes
Dehradun, September 8, 2026:
With the risk of water-borne and mosquito-borne infectious diseases increasing during the monsoon season, the Uttarakhand Health Department has issued a public health advisory urging people to take preventive measures and maintain proper hygiene.
According to the department, monsoon conditions can increase the risk of diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, cholera, jaundice and hepatitis, along with mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya. In view of weekly reports received through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the department has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and follow necessary precautions.
Avoid stale and uncovered food
The Health Department has advised people to avoid consuming stale food, uncovered food items sold in the open and undercooked food.
Fruits and beverages such as watermelon, muskmelon and sugarcane juice should be consumed only when their hygiene and safety are assured. People have also been advised to exercise caution while consuming ice used in cold food items and beverages, as contaminated water may sometimes be used to prepare it.
Drink boiled and safe water
People have been advised to properly boil water and use safe water for drinking and cooking. Chlorine tablets should be used for water disinfection only as advised by health workers.
The department has also stressed the importance of washing hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before consumption.
Prevent water stagnation to control dengue and malaria
The Health Department has urged residents to ensure that water does not accumulate in and around their homes. Water tanks and storage containers should remain properly covered.
Residents have been advised not to use water-collecting trays under flower pots and to ensure that water does not remain stagnant in pots. Areas such as coolers, behind refrigerators, flower vases, money plants and water containers should be cleaned regularly.
Any stored water should be completely emptied at least once a week, and the containers should be dried before being used again.
Do not leave discarded containers and tyres in the open
People have also been advised not to leave broken utensils, bottles, cans, waste tyres and other discarded items in the open. Rainwater accumulating in such objects can create breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes, which are a major vector for dengue.
The department has recommended using mosquito nets and mosquito repellents when required. People are also advised to wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible and educate children about mosquito-borne disease prevention.
Seek medical advice if symptoms appear
The Health Department has advised people not to ignore symptoms such as high fever, headache, body or muscle pain, joint pain, pain behind the eyes and skin rashes.
Such symptoms may be associated with dengue or other infectious diseases. People have been advised not to take medicines without medical advice and to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms develop.
Free dengue testing available at government hospitals
The department said that dengue testing is available free of cost at all government hospitals. People experiencing symptoms have been advised to visit their nearest health centre or government hospital for medical consultation and necessary testing.
The Health Department has appealed to the public to make cleanliness, safe drinking water, food hygiene and mosquito control part of their daily routine to reduce the risk of infectious diseases during the monsoon.
