DINDIGUL
Dengue-causing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been multiplying at an alarming rate in Palani and Batlagundu blocks (Dindigul district), Devadhanapatti (Theni), and Melur and Usilampatti blocks (Madurai), according to Indian Public Health Association (IPHA) State president S. Ilango.
Explaining the findings of a survey conducted by a 10-member team of epidemiologists, entomologists, social workers, doctors, public health experts and technical assistants in these places and on the national highway between Dindigul and Madurai to The Hindu here on Monday, he said if the government failed to eradicate mosquito breeding spots, dengue outbreak was certain in these places in November.
Dr. Ilango said the survey showed that 60% of water containers like plastic cups dumped on the roadside and tyres kept in mechanic shops on the national highway, especially in Chinnalapatti, had either larvae or pupa of Aedes mosquitoes. If the count exceeded 20%, it was an indicator of expansion of dengue. Similar trend prevailed in some blocks in nearby districts, he said.
Prevalence of mosquitoes was acute in Pappampatti and Neikarapatti in Palani block. Population density was also high in these places.
Dengue epidemic and deaths were reported in these areas in March this year. In September, they came down. But they started re-emerging in these blocks and Oddanchatram.
Despite preventive measures taken for the past six months, dengue deaths were not declining, he said. “If you (health officials) are not able to control vector-borne diseases within 90 days, you have to declare a public health emergency in the block or area to make the entire system to work on a war footing and get an immediate response and resources,” he added.
Containing domestic breeding of mosquitoes alone would be of no use to eradicate them. Unused quarries and rock pits were major mosquito breeding spots. Local bodies should focus on these zones and national and State highways. Undisturbed water containers like plastic waste on highways and rock pits were ideal places for mosquito breeding.
If these breeding spots were not destroyed, mortality rate and spread of dengue could not be controlled, he cautioned.
