Dengue seems to be back with a vengeance having got an ideal breeding ground, with the recent rains lashing the city into disarray. With over 75 cases reported, the health department of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) and various other departments are getting ready with plans to tackle the monsoon season. Convinced that it is only through increased awareness that they can control the menace, authorities are keen on spreading the message among people in different areas in the city.
According to Dr S B Nagaraj, chief health officer, BBMP, dengue can be prevented. Speaking about programmes which BBMP has planned to prevent this deadly disease, he said, "Due to water scarcity in the city, people tend to store water, which is likely to aid mosquito breeding which in turn is the main cause for Dengue. In order to prevent this, volunteers and health officers are conducting survey in many areas of the city, spreading awareness among the people to dispose the fresh water which is stored for more than seven days."
As a part of spreading awareness, hand bills and pamphlets are handed over to people in malls, bus stands and small shops where there is high public movement.
However, the condition of areas like K R Market, Kempegowda Bus Station, Shantinagar and other low lying areas are deteriorating due to heavy rains. But the shopkeepers and commuters complain that BBMP has not taken any measures to prevent the spreading of dengue. "Firstly, garbage here is not cleared regularly which is one of the major reasons for the spreading of diseases. Also, we do not get regular water supply. We have no option but to store water," said Muniyappa, a resident of Shantinagar.
Besides conducting a survey, the officers identify and mark the building of potential areas where extra measures needs to be taken to prevent the spreading of dengue as a part of source reduction method.
Dr Nagaraj cited Pulakeshi Nagar, C V Raman on Old Airport Road and D J Halli as some of the potential areas where more number of cases of dengue fever have been reported. Also, BBMP has formed eight teams headed by deputy health officers in all eight zones.
"Besides, spreading awareness, we have also undertaken spraying activity using pyrethrum which is a natural insecticide," added Dr Nagaraj.
The corporators of respective wards are also involved in the programmes planned by BBMP.