Against the 17,000 malaria cases recorded in the city till August last year, only 2,500 cases have been recorded this year.
The malaria menace seems to finally have lost its bite. Against the 17,000 malaria cases recorded in the city till August last year, only 2,500 cases have been recorded this year. Health officials attribute this plunge to the decreasing number of mosquitoes in the city.
“The number of mosquito has tremendously gone down in the city. The lowering number of malaria cases substantiate that mosquito breeding has largely reduced,” said Rajul Patel, chairman, public health committee, adding that the mosquito population in the city has plummeted by 110%.
“Malaria is a major cause of concern every monsoon. This monsoon too started with a large number of cases but it has been significantly controlled,” said Patel.
This month, a handful of 12 cases of malaria per day are being registered. This figure stood at over 400 cases per day last August.
On World Mosquito Day, civic officials are boasting about their efforts in containing the dreaded disease. “The grip of malaria has been brought under control due to our sustained efforts in vector control. This includes regular fogging, and spraying of ML Oil in slum dwellings, construction sites and every location that could prove susceptible to the breeding of malaria,” said Dr Anil Bandiwadekar, executive health officer.
“Health camps have been organised every week. They render services by reaching out to people, instead of waiting for them to consult us. Micro-mapping is being carried out to identify locations which are chronic locations. Such management has helped curb soaring numbers,” added Patel.
In July, DNA had reported that experts from the National Vector Borne Disease Control (NVBDC) under the ministry of health and family welfare, National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Goa and Directorate of Health Services, Maharashtra had visited the city. In their survey they had found out that the city was home to just one mosquito and two larvae.
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