KMC gears up against vector-borne diseases

Kolkata: In view of monsoon, which may hit Bengal seven days ahead, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation's health wing has geared up to intensify drives against vector-borne diseases.

It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed the civic bodies in the state to prepare schemes to control Dengue and Malaria. The state Urban development department has given Rs 4 crore to the KMC for taking up measures to control Dengue that includes massive awareness campaign.

As the mosquitoes are changing their breeding season, the KMC has been conducting anti-larvae drive from January. Teams regularly visits individual houses to inspect the underground reservoirs and overhead tanks. In case the covers of the tanks and reservoirs are not found, the owners have been asked to take immediate steps. In case of buildings that are being constructed, the builders are requested not to store water for more than seven days. The residents have also been asked to clear containers used to store water once a week and change the water in flower vases at least once a week.

Senior civic officials said during rains that hit the state recently, civic teams had taken special drives in the affected areas. The health department workers have been given training and the KMC is ready to combat the situation.

It may be mentioned that the KMC has six laboratories exclusively to test Dengue cases. There are technicians in every ward who can visit the houses and collect blood samples which are then tested in KMC labs. The civic doctors have requested people to get their blood examined if they are found to suffer from fever for more than three days.