Koraput: The Rayagada district administration has taken preventive measures against dengue on a war-footing after five patients were recently tested positive for the disease at Biranarayanpur village.

Officials said a taskforce consisting of officials from various departments had been formed to generate awareness against the disease in both the urban and rural areas of the district.

While the municipalities have been asked to carry out spraying and fogging to destroy the possible mosquito breeding sources, the field-level workers have been asked to generate awareness among people against the disease.

Health officials said a special dengue ward was earmarked at district headquarters hospital and the laboratory test for the dengue was being done free of cost.

Doctors said that though the situation was under control and there were less chances of breeding of the aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the district for its unfavourable climatic condition, chances were high of the disease being imported to the district through migration of people.

"To prevent dengue, the health education activities have been intensified in the potential areas to spread awareness about it at the community level," said district malaria officer B.L.N. Prusty.

Behera said measures needed to be taken to prevent water stagnation as they served as the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The vulnerable areas are cement tanks, barrels, drums, earthen pots, plastic cups, plates, tyres, trays in flower pots and so on.

"People living in clean urban surroundings are more at risk of contracting the disease. People must prevent accumulation of water in their houses, wear full-sleeve shirts and use mosquito repellents during the monsoon," the officer said.

Officials said people should not get panic and take proper measures to ensure that water does not get collected near their homes.

"Common symptoms include high fever, running nose, rashes on skin, cough and pain behind the eyes and the joints. Children may develop a red and white patch skin rash followed by loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Patients suffering from dengue should seek medical advice, rest and drink plenty of fluids," said Prusty.