Question

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

Answer 1

The various public health measures that could provide safeguard against infectious diseases are:

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.