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.
