Dengue, vector-borne diseases could become bigger concern: Experts

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has admitted that he is concerned about the increasing population of mosquitoes in the national Capital and has called for solutions to curb the various diseases spread by them. He also made clear that other diseases spread by mosquitoes should also be taken care of, besides dengue — which has started its tryst with Delhi this year.

Kejriwal made the statement during a conclave conducted by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on April 19. Emerging microbial infections, vector-borne diseases and health emergencies caused due to it were discussed in the conclave.

Experts told Millennium Post that deadly diseases caused by microbial infections and vectors are a reality in Delhi. Dr B R Mirdha, a professor of microbiology said: “The climate in Delhi does not normally support the growth of vectors causing chikungunya. However over the years, the vector has not only become resistant, but has also seen a rise. Besides chikungunya there are various forms of influenza that is on rise.”

Dr Mirdha highlighted that the dengue vector is divided into various stereotypes and a stronger and a more resistant stereotype emerges every two or three years. He said he hoped that the current stereotype would not reappear and cause a crisis in the city, as it did last year.

Dr Rama Chaudhry, a microbiologist at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) who has worked on the Zika virus, noted that there are many vector-borne, microbial diseases which become resistant to antibiotics if untreated.

Dr Pallabh Ray of PGIMER, Chandigarh highlighted the zoonotic aspects of the increase in microbial and vector-borne diseases in the Capital, saying: “Most of these viral and bacterial infections emerge from Africa where there is close contact between humans and animals. In Delhi too, with rapid urbanisation and shrinking greenery, the contact between animals and humans will result in increase of such ailments.” Dr Ray emphasised that basic practices like ensuring cleanliness and making slums less cramped have to be taken up.

Experts highlighted the resistance of modern microbes to antibiotics and said that research is underway to help people efficiently tackle different microbes and the deadly diseases associated with them in the future.