Sonali Bendre supports anti-dengue campaign

Sep 18, 2013 IANS

New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre, a mother to an eight-year-old boy, lent support to a campaign to prevent dengue in the country. She said it is vital to take preventive measures all the time.

The campaign - Fight Dengue For Payal - was launched here Wednesday as a joint initiative by pest control brand Allout and Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI).

The campaign is named after a 12-year-old girl named Payal Samariya, who saw her friend suffering from dengue and was inspired to be part of this campaign.

"As a mother, I do not want children like Payal to suffer from diseases like dengue," said Sonali.

"Dengue can happen to anyone at any age, it's us who have to take preventive measures to fight this disease. Let us all come together with Payal to fight against mosquito-borne diseases and help protect our families," added the actress..

The campaign will be implemented between the months of September and November in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

Jaipur-based girl Payal has committed her time and energy to be part of this programme which will help spread prevention messages to as many people as possible.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease and is transmitted to people by the virus-infected Aedes mosquito. Periods during and after monsoon have higher rates of mosquito activity, turning stagnant water, including puddles near roads and trenches, into breeding grounds.

During this season, the incidence of dengue increases, making it even more critical to take the necessary steps to prevent it from reaching epidemic proportions.

"Dengue is a disease that can attack anyone. More than 22,000 dengue cases have already been reported in India till August this year," said P.C. Bhatnagar, director, communicable diseases, VHAI.

"There is a need for utmost caution and a high-level of preparedness with regard to outbreak of vector-borne diseases during the current weather conditions which are marked by intermittent showers and fluctuation in temperature," added Bhatnagar.