Reining in mosquitos with lunch box

Don't be surprised if you find a cutout of a mosquito dangling from the tiffin box delivered at your workplace. The World Health Organisation has tied up with city's dabbawalas to spread awareness about the dangers of dengue, malaria and other carrier-borne diseases.Ahead of the World Health Day – on April 7 – WHO aims to send out messages to over 4 lakh users of the tiffin service. The theme for this year is Prevention and Control of Vector Borne Diseases, with the slogan being 'Small Bite:Big Threat.'"Cutouts of mosquitoes with pointers on simple steps that should be undertaken to curtail dengue and malaria will be attached to tiffin boxes," said Raghunath Medge, president, Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Charity Trust.Experts have noted a disturbing trend with dengue cases being reported throughout the year. Earlier, the virus was found to be breeding only during rains. This year, the city has recorded 78 cases so far. Dengue, also known as the breakbone fever, had claimed 11 lives last year."With no specific treatment, nearly 20% of dengue cases become complicated. The aedes aegypti mosquito breeds indoors in man-made containers, flower pots, trays etc.," said Dr Mangala Gomare, epidemiologist, BMC.WHO officials say mosquito-borne viruses are developing resistance to insecticides. "Climate change, environmental temperatures, humidity are allowing insects to breed in places they did not breed before," said Dr Asheena Khalakdina, team leader, communicable diseases, WHO.Further, the city has seen 1,600 cases of malaria since January this year, with three suspected deaths. Civic officials said last year saw nearly 10,000 cases – a welcome decline from 79,000 cases in 2010."However, we will not be complacent," said Dr Arun Bamne, executive health officer, BMC. Nearly 30 people fell victim to anopheles mosquitoes last year.Other carrier-borne diseases like kala azar, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and lymphatic filariasis account for nearly one-sixth of infectious diseases in the world. "Of this, 70% of the victims are from third-world nations. There are nearly 6.27 lakh cases of malaria a year, while dengue has seen a 30-fold rise in the past 50 years," said WHO country representative Dr Nata Menabde.Sting in the cityMalaria Cases Deaths2010      79000   1452011      39000    692012      16,086   452013      10525    302014      1600Dengue2011      416       32012      1008     52013      927      112014      78        ----WHO's lunch box messageSleep under mosquito netsWear light cover clothing that cover the limbsScreen windows, doors and use mosquito repellentsRemove stagnant water from surroundingsDrain water from coolers, tanks and barrels weeklySeek early treatment if you have high fever, nausea and bodyache