Speak up Delhi: Monsoons bring back the fear of vector-borne diseases in Capital

As the monsoon season arrives, so does all the problems associated with it. The major ones being the potholes on the roads and mosquitoes that cause vector-borne diseases.

Many roads in the national Capital have the pits that are overlooked and are now becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes thus causing diseases.

More than 40 cases of malaria and 14 cases of chikungunya have already been reported in the city till June 23, and despite this, the open pits on roads and construction sites are left ignored. The season for the vector-borne diseases typically starts in mid-July and lasts till November-end. In order to take precautionary measures, the government has directed all hospitals to increase their bed capacity by 20 per cent.

Of the total 40 malaria cases, 19 were reported on June, 17 in May, one each in April and March, and two in February. Of the 28 dengue cases this season, six were reported in January, three in February, one in March, two in April and 10 in May and six in June, according to the latest municipal report.

"The earliest recognisable symptoms of a viral infection are often fatigue and body ache. This may be followed by the onset of fever. In most cases, the fever is accompanied by a sore throat, running nose, nasal stuffiness and red eyes. A headache is also a common symptom of viral infection. Vomiting and diarrhoea may be present in some cases," said Dr Rajesh Bhudiraja, Internal Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Science.

If one walks past the Karol Bagh Metro station, there are potholes filled with water and a layer of mosquitoes on top of it. Same is the case near Uttam Nagar Metro station where pits have layers of mosquitoes and breeding larvae on top of it.

"We are making sure that there is no waterlogging on the roads. Mostly the water in these potholes gets dried up because of the traffic, but if there is still some, we will get it checked. We have a control room that keeps an eye on all these pits/holes and repairs them with concrete as soon as possible. We are making sure that there are no mosquito breeding grounds in these areas," says Yogendra Singh Mann, spokesperson for the North/East Delhi Municipal Corporation Delhi.

Every monsoon, the city faces similar problems but despite this, not much is done. The drains get flooded and the water overflows. While departments blame each other, the common man continues to suffer.

VOICES

Mosquitoes have been a big menace in our area. The nearby runnel is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Despite several attempts of contacting the authorities, the runnel remains uncovered and causing health issues to people.
— Shalini Chawla, 38, Resident of central Delhi

I had dengue in 2017. This year I am already taking precautions and making sure that my surroundings are free from breeding sites. It is painful to go through the ordeal of falling ill
— Gautam, 24, Resident of Nizammudin

The main issue is the increasing rate of mosquitoes which causes diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. The drains are open and there is foul smell along with mosquito breeding.
— D B Dutta, 82, Resident of Paschim Vihar

The mosquito menace in Delhi-NCR is a major problem. Colonies located nearby gutters face more problem as it is a breeding ground for the mosquitoes and a swarm of mosquitoes can be seen above your head even while walking.
— Sakshi Sharma, 24, Works at an MNC

Fumigation is done in our area but then the effect lasts only for a few minutes. Mosquitoes is a chain reaction problem and people also eventually fall sick.
— Mohammad Rafiq, 65, Tailor

There was widespread mosquito breeding in our area in 2017 . This year again the mosquito menace is looming large over us. The municipal authorities rarely come for fogging and even if they do it doesn't make much difference to the condition.
— Anmol Narang, 23, Resident of Janak Puri

EXPERT SPEAK

Rains in the city have already begun and thus the need to take preventions against vector-borne diseases is very important. There is already a rise in malaria cases in the past two weeks. It is strongly suggested to keep the surroundings dry and free from mosquito breeding sites, we do not need another epidemic. It is better to take prevention than to fall prey to the disease and then get treated. Therefore, all preventive measures should be taken right from the start.
— Dr S P Byotra, Head of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital