Telangana issues public health advisory amid El Nino conditions, urges safe water use and heat precautions

People collect water from a tanker in Sangareddy.

The Telangana health department has issued a public health advisory cautioning people against potential risks associated with El Nino conditions, including prolonged dry spells, extreme heat and acute water shortage.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, November 3, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare Dr. B. Ravinder Nayak said the changing climatic conditions could increase the risk of water-borne diseases, heat-related illnesses, malnutrition and mental stress.

The advisory has urged people to boil drinking water for at least one minute or use chlorine tablets and filters, even if the water appears clean. People have also been advised to store water in clean, covered containers and use a ladle to draw water instead of dipping their hands into it. “Drinking water from unregulated wells, tankers and surface water bodies without proper purification should be avoided,” it added.

With temperatures likely to pose health risks, the advisory recommends consuming sufficient water throughout the day and supplementing it with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), homemade lemon water or buttermilk with a pinch of salt. People have been advised to avoid outdoor activities and strenuous work between noon and 3 p.m. and to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothes while covering their heads when exposed to direct sunlight.

The department has called for special care for infants, pregnant women, the elderly and people with pre-existing heart conditions or blood pressure-related ailments. It has also cautioned against consuming alcohol, highly caffeinated tea or coffee and sugary carbonated drinks, as they can contribute to fluid loss.

On the nutrition front, people have been advised to consume seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content, including cucumbers, melons, oranges and gourds. The advisory also warns against consuming leftovers that have not been properly refrigerated, as high temperatures can accelerate food spoilage.

To prevent vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, the department has asked households to empty, scrub and completely dry water storage tanks, coolers and buckets at least once a week. People have also been advised to keep emergency water storage containers covered to prevent mosquito breeding.

The advisory further recommends using masks or clean cloth to cover nose and mouth during dust storms and dry, windy conditions to protect against respiratory problems.

“As part of preparedness measures, the government has made arrangements for special beds, intravenous fluids and essential medicines at all public health facilities. ORS sachets have also been made available with Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers to address any emergencies,” the advisory stated.