Telangana issues health advisory over El Niño risks
The state health department has warned of potential water-borne diseases, malnutrition and heat-related illnesses due to prevailing El Niño conditions.
The Telangana Health Department issued a public health advisory on Tuesday, 3 November, warning of various health risks linked to El Niño conditions. According to a report by South First, the advisory highlights threats such as extreme heat, water scarcity, malnutrition, mental stress and water-borne illnesses.
Director of Public Health and Family Welfare Dr B Ravinder Nayak has urged the public to take precautions regarding food safety, sanitation, heat exposure, drinking water and vector-borne diseases. The advisory stated that El Niño conditions cause prolonged dry spells and heat, which directly impact public health.
The department has prepared public health facilities to handle emergencies by providing essential medicines, intravenous fluids and special beds. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) sachets are being distributed through Anganwadi workers, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).
To prevent water-borne infections, the department advised boiling drinking water for at least one minute or using filters and chlorine tablets. Residents were also told to store water in clean, covered, narrow-necked containers and avoid using running water to wash vehicles or driveways.
Regarding heat, the advisory recommended wearing light-coloured, loose cotton clothing and using umbrellas or hats in direct sunlight. It suggested consuming seasonal produce like melons, oranges, cucumbers and gourds, while limiting fried and high-protein foods.
The department also flagged risks of dengue and chikungunya, advising people to scrub and dry water storage tanks weekly to prevent mosquito breeding. It further warned that high temperatures can speed up food spoilage and advised against eating improperly refrigerated leftovers.