Need to prevent mosquito breeding at source: SDMC Commissioner

New Delhi: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti on Tuesday reiterated the need for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in Delhi and called for prevention of mosquito breeding at source, adding that it is the only effective tool for prevention and control of such diseases.

Bharti said that high density of mosquito breeding has been reported this year due to the favourable environmental conditions. He said that the Aides mosquito is a carrier of dengue and that it is imperative to take additional precautionary measures during the monsoon months.

The SDMC Commissioner reminded residents that a toll-free phone number (1800-11-2260) is operational in a bid to expedite redressal of mosquito complaints. It is connected to the landline numbers of all zonal control rooms and AMO officers in all four zones.

"Given that Dengue and Chikungnia do not have specific treatments, the prevention and control of its carriers is the only responsible way to respond to such situations", Commissioner Bharti said.

He advised the residents to not insist hospitalisation in cases of dengue fever unless mandated by a doctor, as many dengue patients need not require hospitalisation.

Bharti recommended that residents have enough paracetamol and plenty of fluids in cases of dengue fever and must avoid the use of Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Nimesulide.

"There is no need to create panic since Dengue and Chikungunia are self-limiting diseases in most cases and malaria is treatable," SDMC Commissioner Bharti said.