In the wake of acute criticism for its failure to contain the dengue outbreak in the city, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has decided to step up source reduction measures for vector control. Ward-level house visits will also be conducted to identify breeding sites. Mass fogging centred on key roads will be undertaken to reduce the density of mosquitoes.
The civic body has decided to involve nursing students and National Service Scheme volunteers in the vector control drive. A meeting of the principals, students, and officials of various nursing colleges will be held at the respective Health Inspectors’ offices on Saturday.
Dry day activities will be held in all wards on May 23 with the participation of NSS volunteers. Vector control awareness campaigns will be organised by residents’ associations, led by Corporation Health Inspectors. A special committee was set up on Thursday to evaluate the campaign activities on a day-to-day basis.
As dengue fever spreads only through the Aedes species of mosquitoes, it is crucial to control their population by avoiding the collection of water in open spaces, including tins and coconut shells, says an official release. Wells should be chlorinated, and all water containers should be kept closed. Care should be taken to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes in a dengue patient’s vicinity.
Awareness rally
Health Minister K.K. Shylaja will flag off a dengue fever awareness rally to be organised by the district-wing of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Friday, at Matryr’s Column, Palayam.
The rally is being undertaken in association with the National Health Mission and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.
