Mysore (DH):As the cases of waterborne and vector-borne diseases increased in the district, the department of Health and Family Welfare has taken measures to tackle the situation.

“Rapid Action Force has been formed at the district level to respond to cases of dengue, cholera, chikungunya or other vector borne diseases, if any are reported in parts of the district. The Force, will consist of an entomologist, a medical officer, one senior health inspector and two junior health inspectors” said District Health Officer, Dr H T Puttaswamy.

The Force will visit areas where water-borne or vectorborne diseases are reported and take measures to prevent the diseases from spreading, he said.

The health department also issued orders to conduct larval surveys in various parts of the district. The survey was conducted to provide an indication about surface water breeding mosquitoes.

“The door to door survey was conducted by the department with help from nursing students. During the survey, residents were made aware of the precautionary measures necessary to prevent mosquito breeding near the houses,” he said. The survey report has already been submitted to the State government, he said.