Berhampur: Health officials in Ganjam district have prepared themselves to arrest the spread of vector-borne disease such as dengue and decided to declare July as the anti-dengue month.

"During rains, waterlogging in the low-lying areas becomes a cause of concern. There is need to clean the drains and waterlogged areas to destroy mosquito larvae. That's why, we have decided to declare July as the anti-dengue month," said Ganjam chief district medical officer Sadananda Mishra.

Out of the 12,669 people - tested between 2012 and 2017 in the district - 1,359 cases were found to be positive, according to official sources.

Mishra has issued the safety tips for residents to follow in order to avoid the spread of dengue.

"Dengue spreads through mosquito bites, which occur during day time. Mosquito breeds in containers having fresh water such as flower pots, water coolers, water tanks and so on. Clean and dry the coolers once a week. Keep rooftops clear of containers or tyres and protect your family from dengue," he said.

"Spray insecticides under the tables or behind the curtains. Use anti-mosquito nets to prevent dengue and malaria. Residents can immediately report suspected case of dengue to the nearest health worker, Asha karmi or the medical officer," said Mishra.

The health authorities have decided to open special dengue ward at MKCG hospital and City Hospital here. "We will collect all reports of the positive cases from the micro-biology department of the MKCG. Our team will visit all of them later and submit their treatment report. We will survey door to door to identify the dengue patients. The patients welfare samitis in the village, block and district level will be entrusted with spreading awareness on dengue in their respective areas," said district malaria eradication officer R. Jagdish Patnaik.

Berhampur Municipal Corporation commissioner Chakraborty Singh Rathore said the civic body would initiate awareness programmes on dengue in its limits within a week.