Malaria, dengue under control in PCMC limits

Though the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area is known for having among the highest number of cases of dengue and malaria in the state, this year the civic authorities’ efforts have managed to reign in the cases.

Statistics obtained from PCMC’s health department by dna show that compared to 291 cases of malaria in 2011 and 175 cases and five deaths in 2012, so far only 84 cases of malaria have been reported in the twin town. Similarly as far as dengue and chikungunya cases are concerned, as compared to 97 dengue and 12 Chikungunya cases in  2012, only 16 dengue and two cases of chikungunya are reported so far this year.

However, officials said that intermittent rain and fluctuating weather are bringing with them a rise in seasonal diseases like viral fever, common cold and cough cases and could bring a rise in the malaria and dengue cases too.

PCMC authorities are claiming the situation is much better than in previous years. Medical officer Dr Pavan Salve said, “The situation of malaria and dengue is under control. Normally every year at the beginning of monsoon and end of the monsoon the cases are reported. During the period of Ganesh festival and Dussera, the vector-borne diseases spread as the atmosphere is favourable for breeding of mosquitoes, but it automatically stops during Diwali.”

So far, cases have been reported mainly in Chikhali-Moshi, Bhosari, Chinchwadgoan, Akurdi and Pimple Nilakh area. Asked about measures taken to control the number of cases, this year the PCMC demolished the river bunds which cause the water logging and hence residents of riverside are reporting fewer malaria and dengue cases.The civic officials added that usually the reason for persistent increase in malaria cases in the twin town is due to construction activity going in large scale in Pimpri-Chinchwad. This year, the thrust on stopping illegal constructions could also have led to drop in cases.

Health officials organised corner group meetings, displayed information about malaria on compound walls, circulated pamphlets from door to door besides conducting fumigation activity during the monsoon.

Precautionary measures

The mosquito, aedes aegypti, spreads dengue. It breeds in fresh water. Thus it is imperative for every household to observe one day a week as ‘dry day’, when all utensils and tanks are emptied and cleaned. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which spread to humans through the Anopheles mosquitoes. Infected mosquitoes bite mainly between dusk and dawn.

Discard unwanted things in the house and surroundings as they become breeding grounds for mosquitoes

Water vessels should be kept cleaned and covered

Avoid keeping tray or receptacle under or on top of air-conditioners

Change water in flower vases regularly or daily

Use repellents

Take extra care of children