Fridge tray is the dengue mosquito’s best friend. So, if we have to prevent dengue, the first thing to be done is to clear the accumulated water in the collection tray beneath the refrigerator. This was the message sent out by the Madurai Corporation on Wednesday as part of an awareness campaign to prevent dengue.
Corporation officials cited examples of how Aedes aegypti mosquito was found breeding in refrigerator trays. While people kept their homes clean they did not clear the accumulated water in the tray.
A.Palanisamy, Assistant Commissioner, told The Hindu that six persons of a family had dengue since the dengue mosquito was breeding right inside their house in the fridge. This came to light during door-to-door inspection by fever surveillance teams.
He had a meeting with representatives of residents’ welfare associations and apartments to explain how dengue can be prevented if some self-checks are followed.
“This vector breeds in fresh water. People keep their houses clean but do not clear the fridge tray,” he said.
People living in apartments and residential colonies have been advised to undertake a massive cleaning drive regularly. The focus should be on water storage sumps, sunshades and terraces where unused things are dumped.
Mr. Palanisamy said that 10 fogging machines were being used to clear mosquito sources in Zone-2, which covers 26 wards. According to him, some apartment associations have come forward to purchase fogging machines on their own so that they could carry out fogging regularly on their campuses.
Herbal hope
Siddha camps are in great demand in Madurai for the popular ‘Nilavembu Kashayam’ which has been recommended as a preventive measure by the State government.
Following instructions from Collector L. Subramanian, a camp was conducted at Reserve Line on Wednesday in which nearly 5,000 people were given the herbal concoction.
A team of Siddha doctors led by District Siddha Medical Officer S. Sureshkumar conducted the camp.
“Nilavembu Kashayam has anti-viral property. It gives immunity to the body because it is prepared with nine vital herbal ingredients. If people drink this ‘kashayam’ they can combat dengue,” said S. Subramanian, Assistant Medical Officer (Siddha).
More such camps will be organised in the city in the coming days, covering all areas. There are also plans to hold Siddha camps in schools.Dr. Subramanian said people should drink the concoction for three days continuously. It is available in Government Rajaji Hospital, taluk hospitals and primary health centres. People can buy the herbal mix in medical shops also.
