HYDERABAD: The State Health Department officials are on alert and taking stock of measures taken to control vector-borne diseases as the number of dengue cases in the State has increased by 120 cases in the past 20 days. From the start of the year till June 26, 389 cases of dengue were reported and the number increased to 509 till Monday.
In the same time period (Jan-June 26), 440 cases of malaria were reported which increased to 541. While officials said that the numbers increased during monsoons as mosquitoes breed more with abundant availability of stagnant water, they are on edge to avoid an epidemic.
Health minister Dr C Laxma Reddy who held a review meeting with heads of Health department on Monday instructed them to focus on Agency areas where a high number of cases are usually detected.
Apart from dengue, malaria, chikungunya and other vector-borne diseases, officials were also directed to take measures to prevent the spread of seasonal diseases and sickness arising out of it.