Tamil Nadu launches dengue awareness app

At an event held at the Tamil Nadu Multi Super Speciality Hospital on Thursday, launching the app ‘Dengue Fever Tamil’, the State Health Minister C Vijaya Bhaskar and health officials called for proactive measures, ahead of the monsoons. 

The app available on the android platform will offer comprehensive information on the disease, including frequently asked questions, pictorial information on the sources that lead to the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. The app also has details of the siddha treatment available. Through the app, user can contact helplines 108, 104 and the 24*7 public health control room.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said, “The government has been taking several measures, including dissemination of information and reaching out to the public for creating awareness. The app is part of the multi-dimensional effort and will prove to be beneficial.” 

Emphasising on the role of public participation in addressing the disease, Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan said, “There is enough material available on the Internet and in many forms, but these may be too technical for the common man. This app intends to break down both prevention and treatment related information in simple terms to intensify the impact of our mass awareness programmes.”

The app also includes audio jingle and videos by celebrities, who call for timely treatment at a government hospital that is equipped to handle the fever. The videos also refuted claims of mystery fever, pointing out that there were facilities available to detect 29 types of viruses and these made treatment quick and effective. The app follows the earlier measure taken by the government to frame guidelines and do’s and don’ts.