East Khasi Hills Officials Issue Monsoon Health Alert

Shillong: East Khasi Hills district officials released a health advisory today to combat a surge in monsoon-related illnesses. The District Medical and Health Officer warned that rain brings high risks of mosquito-borne diseases, scrub typhus, mushroom poisoning, and infections from contaminated food or water. Residents must clear stagnant water from discarded tyres and containers to stop mosquitoes from breeding.

Protect your skin. Use repellents and wear full-sleeved shirts during dawn and dusk. Stay out of floodwater. If you touch contaminated water, scrub your skin clean with soap and fresh water immediately. The department stressed that "most seasonal diseases can be prevented through good personal hygiene, a clean environment, minimising exposure to disease-causing agents, and seeking timely medical attention when symptoms develop."

Keep your kitchen safe. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and reheat food to 75°C before eating. Never touch stale or uncovered meals. Wash your hands with soap before you cook, eat, or touch animals. Always wash up after using the toilet. Keep your house clean to stop rodents from moving in, and do not wash clothes belonging to diarrhoea patients near streams or springs.

Stop the waste. Do not defecate near water sources or uphill to prevent runoff contamination. Avoid raising pigs near your home. The advisory also forbids eating unidentified wild mushrooms. Schools and offices must inspect their grounds for standing water and maintain clean toilets. Report fever outbreaks to health staff immediately.