Drives, camps bring down dengue cases in BMC area

Kolkata: Sustained drives against dengue coupled with organizing fever camps have successfully reduced the number dengue cases in Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area.

According to the Member Mayor in Council (MMiC), Health, Pranay Kumar Ray, more than 400 dengue cases were reported in BMC area in the past month.

The outbreak of the disease was severe in eight wards. To stop the outbreak a decision was taken to arrange fever camps more frequently in the dengue-affected wards. Moreover, a special health department team of BMC was instructed to focus on affected wards.

As per the plan 16 fever camps were arranged last month. In November, five fever camps were arranged. On Monday, Ray informed that from November 1 around 200 dengue cases have been reported till date.

He said: "It is the result of our sustained dengue drives. But, we are trying to continue with the drives."

According to the doctors, the dengue virus becomes inactive during cold weather. As the winter in knocking on the door, it is expected the outbreak of dengue would naturally slow down.

However, Ray said as per the reports of weather office, winter is yet to come. By the time winter arrives, dengue might cause more damage. He informed that the drive would continue as it is going on at present. By the end of this month, further course of action will be decided depending on the situation.

Ray earlier alleged that the situation turned worse due to dumping of garbage in a scattered way by residents as well as the Puja committees. According to sources, from January to September, the number of dengue patients was around 300.

However, during the festive season, the situation turned worse. He stated that sudden outbreak of dengue in BMC area was quite unexpected as they had conducted year-long drives to put a curb on dengue.

Ray also informed that last year, 950 dengue cases were reported. Earlier in 2017, the number was approximately 3,300.