Udup: Communicable diseases can be checked if the Health department continuously works to create awareness among the public about the spread of infectious diseases and the symptoms of the disease, said Deputy Commissioner M Kurma Rao.

He was chairing a review meeting at the DC’s office. He said, “Infectious diseases generally spread depending on weather conditions. The Health department should implement preventive measures throughout the year to control diseases. This will build a healthy society.”

The DC said that Kodi Bengre has been declared as tobacco-free village in Udupi. Similarly, few more villages should be declared as tobacco-free. There is a need to motivate people to remain away from tobacco products. He said that Korgi village in Kundapur taluk also has the necessary qualifications to become tobacco-free and according to the government norms, Korgi village should also be declared as tobacco-free at the earliest.

Legal assistance should be taken to control the use of tobacco products in public places. “If people stay away from tobacco products, then they can stay away from deadly diseases,” he said. There is a rise in complaints on stray dog bites in recent days. The local organisations, gram panchayats, Health department and department of Animal Husbandry should work in coordination to check the dog menace.