Cases of vector-borne diseases on the upswing

Despite authorities claiming to have taken adequate measures to control the spread of vector-borne disease in the Capital, cases of malaria, dengue and chikungunya are on rise.

With 23 fresh cases reported in the last week, the total number of Malaria cases has shot up to 177 till July 8.

As per the status report, released by the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi on Monday, the total number of dengue cases reported in and around the national Capital has reached 109. Meanwhile, the number of chikungunya cases stand at 161.

Moreover, 49 cases of dengue and 51 cases of chikugunya have also been recorded from outside Delhi.

In view of the sudden rise in cases this year, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has instructed officials of the public health department to step up process to curtail the menace.

The Corporation underlined the need for involving resident welfare associations (RWAs), market associations and other social organizations in creating awareness across Delhi.

SDMC officials have said that there is no treatment for dengue and chikungunya; it can only be controlled by bringing behavioral changes in ourselves.

"We all know that the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, the vector that can spread chikungunya and dengue fever, breeds in stagnant water only. If we keep water tanks, coolers, flower pots and utensils dry, it is easy to stop breeding and prevent diseases," an official said.

The civic body informed that during the current year, domestic breeding checking has been conducted around 1,94,52,146 times and cases of breeding were discovered in 49,942 houses.

Furthermore, 52,253 legal notices were issued, while 4,892 prosecutions had also been undertaken.

In its bid to combat the menace, the SDMC had earlier this year launched a new technologically-advanced application called Vector-Borne Disease Control (VBDC), with an aim to cover 16 vulnerable wards identified on the basis of substantial breeding data localities.

"This will go a long way to develop a micro plan to eradicate the menace of mosquitoes. 200 domestic breeding checkers (DBC) have been given tablet PCs and uniforms so that they can be easily identified," an SDMC official said.

"It has been decided to intensify checking of mosquito breeding at big establishments, institutions and offices. Wherever breeding will be noticed, appropriate action will be taken.

"The public health cannot be overlooked. Hence, all possible steps will be taken to prevent and control dengue and malaria," the official added.

Meanwhile, North Delhi Municipal Corporation (North MCD) on Monday made an appeal to the citizens to take all possible measures to prevent spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

North Delhi Mayor Preety Agarwal said that the incidence of mosquito borne-diseases can be minimised by taking simple precautions and preventive measures.

"People should wear full sleeves clothes to avoid mosquito bites, while children need to be given special care. People who are using coolers must get the fitting of the mesh above the water level and the new users should get dengue-free coolers. Water coolers must be cleaned at regular intervals," Agarwal stated.