The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come up with an innovative way to deal with aedes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue. According to a report collected by BMC's health department, it was found that majority of people getting dengue are in the age group of 13-45. Hence, the civic body has decided to target offices, schools and colleges to find the breeding sites for mosquitoes.
According to health officials, since dengue mosquitoes generally bite in the morning time, chances of people getting infected at work place, school or colleges are more.
Talking about the development, Dr Mini Khetrapal, BMC's epidemiology cell in-charge, said: "We are targetting work places, colleges and schools in the wards that is witnessing more dengue cases. For instance, G/South Ward-Worli, Prabhadevi area is one of the few wards where high number of dengue cases has been reported." According to the BMC's dengue report, out of 469 people tested positive for dengue this year, 356 are in the age group of 13-45. "We have a ward level team who will approach the human resource departments of the offices and spread awareness on how aedes aegypti mosquito breeds indoors. We want Mumbaikars to be proactive and ensure there is no fresh stagnant water at their home or society. Our team plans to approach HR personnel, school and college principals to ensure their premises have no breeding sites," said Khetrapal.
Breeding spots for aedes mosquito — carrier of dengue virus — are found in mini-fountains, feng-shui plants and artificial ponds.
Dr Vasant Nagwekar, infectious disease expert at Lilavati hospital, said: "Dengue patients come with high fever that lasts for 5-7 days. Compared to last year, we are getting dengue patients with more deranged liver parametres. They are mimicking like hepatitis but it is just dengue infection." There was a total turnover of 2,496 patients with suspected dengue and dengue like symptoms admitted from all municipal and public sector hospital between September 1 to September 20. Majority of the patients have been cured and discharged from hospitals. The city has reported three dengue deaths this year so far. The BMC has decided to spend Rs 33,18,100 for a span of 30 days on spreading awareness on malaria and dengue on radio.
How does dengue spread?
Dengue is transmitted when an aedes mosquito — infected with any one of the four dengue viruses — bites a person. The dengue fever is a febrile illness that affects infants, young children and adults, and occurs in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Symptoms appear three to 14 days after the bite. Symptoms range from mild fever to an incapacitating high fever, with severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and rash. There are no specific antiviral medicines for dengue. It is important to maintain hydration. Early clinical diagnosis and careful clinical management by experienced physicians and nurses increase survival of patients
Dos and Don'ts
1. Ensure your house doesn't become a breeding site for mosquitoes
2. Change water of ornamental plants and flower vases in your house every alternate day
3. Ensure no water is collected in garden drains, roof gutters and sun shades
4. Add pesticides to stagnant water
5. Cover all containers used for storing water
