The Hindu 25.07.2014
Keeping a check on mosquito breeding spots
Aedes aegypti larvae found in 150 houses of Atturu ward
With the number of dengue cases increasing in the city,
the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is focussing on
indentifying mosquito breeding spots and source reduction.
Dengue is caused by Aedes aegypti mosquito that breeds in fresh water. The mosquito is active only during the day.
In
a random survey at Atturu ward on Wednesday, the BBMP officials covered
915 houses and found Aedes aegypti larvae in 150 houses. The ward has
1,500 houses with a population of 6,000. Dengue and other fever symptoms
were found in 66 households.
15 teams formed
On
Wednesday, the BBMP formed 15 teams after roping in staff from the
primary health centre, Atturu, and around 75 students from Mirinda
Nursing College.
The BBMP’s health officials
undertook the survey to identify breeding spots towards source reduction
that will go a long way in checking the spread of the disease.
A senior health official told
The Hindu
that since January 2014, as many as 110 cases of dengue had been
reported. The civic body is taking up information, education and
communication (IEC) activities to create awareness about checking the
spread of the disease.
Surveys being taken up
The
official said that dengue cases were being reported mostly from
Malleswaram and C.V. Raman Nagar areas. “Most other cases that are
reported are sporadic. The IEC activities and surveys are being taken up
in areas where more cases were reported,” the official said.
Asked about the two suspected dengue deaths reported from Kadirenapalya, the official said it was still unconfirmed.
“The
incidence of the disease is more during monsoon. We are taking all
precautionary steps to control the spread of the disease,” the official
added.
