Inclement weather over the past few weeks has triggered the spread of vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue and chikungunya.
According to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, from January to May, 60 positive cases of dengue and 23 chikungunya cases were reported from across the city. However, the number has seen a slight increase after the onset of monsoon.
Confirming this, BBMP's Chief Health Officer L.T. Gayatri said 112 positive cases of dengue and 41 of chikungunya had been reported so far. “However, this is not an outbreak. All the reported cases are sporadic in nature and the situation is not alarming. We have taken steps to tackle the spread,” she said.
Dr. Gayatri said that most cases have been reported from areas in Bangalore East, including C.V. Raman Nagar, Ejipura, Viveknagar and Ashoknagar. Cases have also been reported from the low-lying areas of Jaibheemnagar, Neelasandra, Hoskerehalli, Ittamadu, Mahadevapura and Byatarayanapura.
She said the BBMP had taken steps to prevent an outbreak. “We are conducting health camps in vulnerable areas to create awareness about the do's and don'ts and also treat people if they report symptoms,” she said.
BBMP Commissioner Bharatlal Meena recently directed officials of the civic authority's health department to take precautionary measures and prepare an action plan.
They were directed to dredge storm water drains, de-weed tanks and lakes, identify larva breeding spots, and create awareness among the citizens. Mosquito control programmes, including fogging and spraying, have been rejuvenated.
The civic authority will soon procure mosquito sprayers, hand and motor pumps and auto-mounted sprayers.
Dr. Gayatri said that at the ward level, the civic authority had been conducting awareness programmes with the involvement of the area councillor.
She said that the BBMP would soon direct the ward level offices to ensure that waste water pits are constructed and covered in areas where the underground drainage system does not exist. “This is mostly in the newly added areas in the BBMP,” she said.
