27-06-2024
NPHC Issues Reminder as the Centenary Song Festival Approaches
From June 29 to July 6, the centenary Song Festival will feature numerous dancing, singing, and performing groups. While such large gatherings bring positive emotions, they also come with certain health risks, especially in indoor accommodations, outdoor dining, and spending time in nature. The National Public Health Centre (NPHC) wishes participants and spectators of the upcoming Song Festival a joyful experience and reminds them of the importance of avoiding intestinal infectious diseases, maintaining hand hygiene, and protecting themselves from ticks.
Wash your hands thoroughly
Hands frequently come into contact with various objects and the environment, making hand hygiene crucial. Unwashed hands, even if they appear clean, can harbor wide range of microorganisms that cause infectious diseases. Pathogens can enter the body through eating, and touching our mouths, noses, and eyes. It is essential to wash hands whenever they are dirty, before eating, after using the toilet, before and after cooking, after handling dirty utensils or cutlery, after returning from outdoors, after using public transport, after spending time in public places, after interacting with a sick person, or after playing with animals.
If soap and water are unavailable, use wet wipes or disinfectant liquid, and make sure you always have them with you.
Wash fruit, vegetables, and nuts
NPHC advises avoiding perishable foods such as dairy, meat, fish, mixed vegetables with mayonnaise, and cakes during travel and events. Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly, preferably with bottled or mineral water if outdoors. For snacks, opt for biscuits, breadcrumbs, cereals, and soy products. Nuts, raisins, and other dried fruits are suitable but should be washed thoroughly beforehand.
It is also important to drink plenty of fluids. Pure or non-carbonated mineral water or bottled fruit waters are recommended to quench thirst.
Be aware of ticks
Many festivities will take place in parks. Even though these areas are well-maintained (grass is cut properly, shrubs and other vegetation maintained), we advise you to take care to protect yourself against ticks that spread disease. For children use repellents designed for children only. If you notice a tick crawling on your clothes, remove and destroy it immediately. If possible, it is advisable to examine the body after prolonged exposure to nature. If a tick is found, remove it promptly by grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling it upward with a sharp movement, avoiding squeezing the body of the tick.
Shield yourself from summer heat
Stay out of the hot sun and heat by seeking shade or wearing a head covering. Wear lightweight clothing made from natural fabrics that cover as much skin as possible. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to exposed areas and drink more fluids.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience nausea, stomach or abdominal pain, a rise in temperature, vomiting, or diarrhea.