The Indian Express 31.10.2013
After spurt in dengue cases, BMC carries out fumigation drive in N-ward
Residents of N-ward, comprising Ghatkopar, requested the civic body
to conduct a fumigation drive and hold health camps after a rise in
dengue cases was recorded in the ward. On Wednesday morning, a
fumigation drive was carried out in several areas in Ghatkopar. BMC
doctors also visited these areas.
While residents were screened for various ailments, a fumigation
drive was carried out in areas like Mohan Nagar, Bhim Nagar, Shivkrupa
society, Shastri Nagar, ONGC colony and MIG colony.
According to Prakash Wani, a resident of Rajawadi colony in
Ghatkopar, most residents are worried about the sudden rise in dengue
cases in the past one month. “I know more than 20 people who are
currently being treated in Rajawadi hospital for dengue. A few more have
also been admitted to Sant Muktabai hospital,” he said.
There are six hospitals (including two municipal hospitals) in
the ward. A local corporator, Pravin Chheda, said more than 80 dengue
cases have been reported from four private hospitals. “The BMC’s count
of dengue cases is lower than the actual count as there is no
coordination between private hospitals and the civic department,” Chheda
said. He said an eight-year-old girl succumbed to dengue in a private
hospital earlier this month, but her death was not reported.
However, BMC’s deputy executive health officer, Dr Mangala
Gomare, said three confirmed cases of dengue were reported from the ward
in October and there were 18 suspected cases reported from private
hospitals.
According to pest control officer of N-ward, Dr Lalchand Wagh,
the breeding spots have increased since September . “In September, we
had recorded 145 breeding spots. However, the count has risen to 178
this month. About 45 per cent spots were found indoors,” he said.
The breeding spots are equally distributed in slum and non-slum areas in Ghatkopar, Wagh added.
Till now, the city has recorded 615 suspected cases and 697 confirmed
cases of dengue this year. While BMC records show 12 deaths caused by
dengue, the figures are expected to be higher.
