The Hindu 08.09.2009
GHMC wakes up to rising dengue, malaria cases
| Commissioner directs health and medical staff to step up anti-larval operations |
Three confirmed, nine suspected dengue cases reported in the city
Three cases of malaria have also been reported from hospitals
HYDERABAD: Taking a serious note of rising cases of malaria and dengue fevers in the twin cities, GHMC Commissioner S.P. Singh has directed the health and medical staff to step up anti-larval operations as well as public awareness on controlling the mosquito menace.
Three confirmed and nine suspected cases of dengue and three cases of malaria have been reported from both government and private hospitals. As many as 17 dengue cases have been reported since August and there were even two suspected deaths.
Areas
Alarmingly, most dengue cases have been found from areas of Banjara Hills, Kukatpally, Jubilee Hills, Ameerpet and the likes.
Malaria cases have been found to be arising out of Mangalhat, Ameerpet and Katedan. Gastroenteritis cases are being reported from old city.
Mr. Singh directed the staff to map the city into ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ areas for allocating more men and material to stamp out the mosquitoes.
“There should be a visible difference with a week,” he said.
All Deputy Commissioners have been told to take assistance of the Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to educate citizens in controlling mosquito breeding in stagnant water containers.
The Assistant Medical and Health Officers (AMOHs) have been directed to test water sources at all the eating establishments, especially mobile eateries where there was a likelihood of wholesome drinking water not being used.
Board cautioned
The water works (HMWS&SB) officials were cautioned to be more vigilant about the water quality supplied since there was a forecast of more rains.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jairam said the GHMC was monitoring the situation and taking steps following information gathered from the epidemic cell.
“Generally fevers would have subsided by September but with continuous rains, they are still prevalent,” explained a GHMC health official.
Water stagnation
“We have patients coming from those living in Cantonment and Industrial areas, where there is a lot of water stagnation,” said another health official.
