Sri Lanka faces two main rainy seasons namely; South-West monsoons (May to August) and North-East monsoons (November to January). During these rainy seasons it is important to be aware of certain health messages to safe and minimize risk of illness.
Below are some key health messages to keep in mind these days:
1. Prevent
food and waterborne disease:
Rainy seasons can lead to an
increase in food and waterborne diseases
such as cholera, typhoid fever,and diarrhea. To protect yourself from food and waterborne diseases;
l Drink
boiled and cooled water
l Wash
vegetables and fruits before consumption
l Eat
well cooked food as much as possible
l Avoid
contamination of food by house-flies
2. Be cautious during floods:
Heavy
rains lead to floods which can pose various risks to health.
l Avoid
wading through flood water as much as possible since this can put you at risk
of diseases such as leptospirosis
l If
you must enter flood water, wear protective clothing and boots.
l Stay
informed about potential flood warnings and follow evacuation orders if
necessary
l Wells
that are affected by flood water has to be cleaned and chlorinated before
consumption
l Try
to avoid latrines that have been affected by floods. Wash your hands after
using toilets
3. Clean your environment
Rainy seasons can result in an increase in
the mosquito density that give rise to diseases like dengue.
l Make
sure you remove any potential mosquito breeding places/ stagnant water
collections in and around your home as well as your work place to avoid
mosquito grounds.
l Ensure
proper disposal of waste to avoid blockage of drainage systems by garbage and overflowing of drains
4. Maintain Personal hygiene
l Wash
your hands before handling food, eating, or touching your face, and especially after using the rest room,
handling garbage and after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Remember to stay informed about local health advisories and health guidelines specific to your region. Following these key health messages can reduce the likelihood of falling ill and help you enjoy a safe and healthy rainy season.
