No Respite From Dengue, Chikungunya
BENGALURU:Despite the measures taken by the state government to contain the spread of dengue and chikungunya, positive cases are being reported from various districts every day.
Till July so far, 1,660 cases of dengue and 687 cases of chikungunya have been recorded this year.
State health director Dr G M Vamadeva attributed this to early and incessant rain from March.
“Usually, warning for vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya is given before the rainy season begins, that is from May. However, this time, the cases started being reported from March onwards,” Dr Vamadeva said.
He added that if the rains continue to lash, then mosquito larvae will get washed away and adult mosquitoes will die in the heavy rains.
He said the government has undertaken control measures like dissemination of information and educative material on dengue control. He stressed on public participation.
“People should cooperate and follow guidelines like effective waste management to prevent breeding of larvae in trash. They should put mosquito meshes given by local health workers in their homes,” he added.
Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike limits and Bengaluru Urban district reported the highest number of cases.
In the BBMP area, 515 cases of dengue and 176 cases of chikungunya have been reported and in Bengaluru Urban District, 119 dengue and 151 chikungunya cases have been reported. “These places have a big migrant population,” Dr Vamadeva added.
Dr D Narayanappa, HoD Paediatrics at JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, said, “There is no cure yet, however, trials are being conducted. Also, this fever is being treated symptomatically.”
Dr Narayanappa said the pain is more severe in dengue and that it is also called break-bone fever as the pain is similar to that of bones getting crushed or broken.
“In our hospital, out of the 150 beds for paediatrics, 40 patients down with dengue are being treated. And the number of cases may shoot up in the coming days,” he said.
Khader Calls Emergency Meet
On Monday, Health Minister U T Khader held a meeting with Bengaluru Urban District Health Officer and BBMP Chief Health Officer to discuss ways to effectively manage solid waste.
“We have asked these officials to focus on bio-medical waste disposal. Since most of it contains plastic, the chances of water accumulation is more and this may result in breeding of larvae if water lies collected,” Khader said.
Dengue Control Tips
Environmental management: This involves any change that prevents or minimises vector breeding and hence reduces human-vector contact.
Do not allow water to collect in areas. Clear water from flower pots and small containers. Improve waste management.
Personnel protection: Includes wearing protective clothing and using household insecticidal products for personal protection against mosquitoes.
Biological control measures includes the introduction of fish in areas with collected water.
Fish such as Gambusia affinis and Poecilia reticulata have been extensively used for the control of mosquito larvae.