With the number of dengue cases almost doubling last month, BMC officials are blaming the upcoming Maharashtra elections for the rise. Almost 50% of the pesticide department staffs and health post staffs are on election duty which is having a direct affect on the fogging drive and awareness work.
How many cases were reported last month?
In September, 117 dengue cases have been registered in the city which is almost twice the figure in August (65) and July (52).
What is BMC's take?
Dr Padmaja Keskar, executive health officer with the BMC, said, "Majority of the staff is on election duty. In few wards, like Bandra East, Borivali, the entire pesticide department staff is on election duty. It has definitely affected
the anti larval activity which has a set pattern."What are the worst affected areas?
While health department staffs are being assigned election duties, parts of the city are seeing a drastic rise in dengue cases. Dr Mangala Gomare, head of the epidemiology, BMC said, "Areas like Bandra east and west, Goregaon, Prabhadevi, Dadar are seeing more dengue cases. We are monitoring the dengue cases being reported in the city on a daily basis."
What is the solution?According to Keskar, a request has been made to higher-ups for replacements or additions. "Most of the staffs are working over-time. We are some how managing the work. We hope there will be replacement soon," said Dr Keskar.
80% of breeding sites found indoorsDr Gomare said 80% of the mosquito breeding sites have been found indoors and therefore awareness among people on aedes mosquito breeding is very important. "The Aedes mosquito (carrier of dengue virus) breeding spots are being found in mini-fountains, feng-shui plants and miniature artificial ponds. Unlike locating the breeding sites of the female Anopheles mosquito (which spreads malaria), it is difficult to find those of the Aedes mosquito as we have to visit homes for that," said Dr Gomare.
How to reach out to posh areas?
According to BMC health department, 60% of the Aedes mosquito breeding spots are reported in posh residential areas. "We are doing door-to-door visits in slum areas. For non-slum areas, we are trying to get in touch via ALMs and communicating via emails and pamphlets. Radio jingles, local cable channels help is also being taken," said Dr Gomare.
Dos and don'ts: To ensure your house doesn't become a breeding site for dengue-spreading mosquitoes:
1. Change water of ornamental plants' pots and flower vases in your house every alternate day
2. Make sure there is no stagnant water collecting in garden drains, roof gutters and sun shades
3. Add pesticides to stagnant water
4. Cover all containers used for storing water
5. Loosen soil from potted plants
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