Following the dengue deaths in Mysore, the health department of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has taken up sanitisation activities in vulnerable areas.

BBMP health officer Dr Sangamithra told Express, “The department has deputed all junior health inspectors and staff to cover dark zones and conduct fumigation and sanitisation programmes.”

Between June and September, door-to-door inspection will be taken up by the department, she said. “So far, the BBMP has recorded 65 positive cases since January this year. To contain dengue, BBMP will rope in medical students for the survey and create awareness among public,” she said.

Department of Health and Family Welfare commissioner V B Patil said the department has sent a circular to all district health officers to increase surveillance activities and keep their rapid response teams on high alert.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare U T Khader told Express, “The health department cannot do miracles alone. It requires coordination from the urban development,  panchayat and rural development departments.”

All officials in his department have been asked to give priority to vector-borne diseases as the rainy season is fast approaching, he said.

Khader added that there will be a meeting in this regard with the Health Minister and health officials from all districts on Wednesday.