Tamil Nadu is now bracing for the full impact of monsoon rain, which causes a slew of vector-borne diseases.
Residents of areas that receive rain must be on the alert as within ten days, the egg-to-adult stage vector gets ready to come out and may spread dengue.
Experts say the best way to prevent dengue is to avoid water stagnation, clean water-tanks, dispose of unused containers, plastic wastes and tyres and keep watersumps dry.
Director of Public Health K. Kulandaiswamy says there will be an exponential increase in the mosquito population from the tenth day of rain, and it is the time for every household and commercial building to wipe out the breeding sources.
“The larva density of vectors has to be brought down to prevent the transmission of dengue. The number of dengue cases is coming down, but prevention of communicable diseases depends on community participation in cleanliness,” he said on Monday.
“The Aedes aegypti mosquito that causes dengue breeds right in your backyard or on the rooftop. Regular fogging, bleaching of tanks and waste disposal are important. So, what is required is an all-out battle to destroy sources of breeding, and a public commitment to cleanliness,” Dr. Kulandaiswamy points out.
During 2012, there were 13,204 dengue cases in the State, and the number came down to 6,122 in 2013. Since January this year, the State has had 1,600 confirmed cases.
Indian Public Health Association Tamil Nadu president S. Elango also points out that dengue breaks out 10 days after rain, and November will be a critical month for the public health machinery.
“The build-up of vectors happens now. Clean water and rainwater are breeding sources for mosquitoes.”
Dr. Kulandaiswamy has asked people to contact the control room in the Directorate of Public Health.
For information on mosquito-borne diseases, the public can contact 044-24350496 or 24334811. Mobile numbers: 94443-40496 or 93614-82899.
