The Times of India 15.10.2013
Ahmedabad mosquitoes found free of dengue virus
AHMEDABAD: The 10 samples of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes that were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) at Pune have tested negative for dengue and chikungunya viruses. The mosquitoes were collected from areas in the city which had showed a high incidence of dengue and chikungunya.
"We are not satisfied with the report and would be sending more insect samples to the NIV. We are also investigating whether the many dengue and chikungunya cases that were detected were because of individuals who had travelled outside the city and brought the viruses back with them," said a senior AMC health official.
The AMC has also sent some blood serum samples of patients living in the same areas from which the mosquitoes were collected.
With the rise in dengue and chikungunya cases, it seemed apt for the AMC's health department to send the samples for confirmation tests about a particular serotype of the dengue virus that is affecting citizens.
"Generally, it is patients who come down with dengue fever for the second time or more, that develop serious complications. It has been noted that it is the dengue virus of serotype-2 that is common among patients. The recent spurt in dengue cases prompted us to send these samples to the NIV to confirm the serotype. We will be sending more samples of the insect," said an AMC official.
He further said that insect analysis is necessary for a precise assessment of prevalence of different viruses in different populations at different points of time. "Extrapolation of this study could also help us identify risk groups that may need intervention," the official said.
Last year, the NIV, along with the National Chemical Laboratory, had initiated a study on development of an anti-dengue drug from medicinal plants available naturally in the country.
"Like dengue and chikungunya, we have also sent samples for malaria. The incidence rate is low in the case of malaria in the city. Due to the recent showers, however, we fear that mosquito-related illnesses will be on the rise," said the AMC official.
