Change in weather brings concerns over dengue back into focus

Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has intensified its drive against dengue in view of the change in weather. The hot and humid weather coupled with intermittent rain serve as the ideal condition for mosquitoes to multiply.

It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed all the civic bodies to gear up their drive to combat the spread of dengue. People both in Kolkata and districts have been afflicted with the disease.

Entomologists said Aedes Aegypti is the primary transmitter while Aedes Albopictus is the secondary transmitter. Aedes Ageypti larvae are found in the urban areas while Aedes Albopictus are found in rural areas. The second variety of mosquitoes lay eggs in the holes of the trunk of the trees. In order to destroy the breeding ground the holes on the trees should be covered with clay. The Entomologists urged the municipalities to launch drives to cover up the holes that are found on tree trunks.

Entomologists say it is difficult for municipalities to take up this venture without local people and awareness campaigns should be launched to get their support.

They further said from 1930s to 1960s Aedes Albopictus were found in Kolkata and thousands of people had been afflicted with the disease during this period.

Dengue is also known as the " bone-breaking disease" as high fever is companied by joint pain. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation will take special drives in areas where there are trees like the southern and northern fringes.

In vast areas of Jadavpur, Behala, Garden Reach and Maheshtala there are "semi urban areas" where drives will be taken up to seal the holes on the trunks of the trees.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation runs 15 dengue detection clinics and 144 blood collection centres. The blood samples are tested free of cost and the medicines are given at no cost.