With onset of the monsoon and vector-borne diseases back with a vengeance, the BBMP has intensified efforts to contain the mosquito menace in Bengaluru. In five months alone, as many as 384 dengue and 47 chikungunya cases have been reported in BBMP limits.
With 145 incidents, Bengaluru East reported the highest number of dengue cases in the city while Bengaluru South has the highest number of chikungunya cases — 20 — among all the zones.
However, civic officials said that dengue cases have drastically come down when compared with the same period last year. In 2017, 605 dengue cases were reported between January and May, which is 44.5% more than this year.
ADVERTISEMENT
On the other hand, the number of chikungunya cases have gone up to 47 incidents between January and May as compared to 15 in the corresponding period in 2017.
Overall, there were 6,715 cases of dengue and 108 cases of chikungunya in 2017.
Dr. Lokesh M.N., Chief Health Officer (Public Health), attributed the reduced number of incidents until May to increased awareness and the civic body’s initiative in tackling mosquito breeding sites.
ADVERTISEMENT
There was a general increase in incidences of both dengue and chikungunya from July to September last year, and it’s likely that the trend will repeat itself in the coming months.
Civic officials said that since these infections spread through stagnant water, the number of cases will increase as the monsoon progresses, but they are hope that their efforts will make a difference.
The BBMP is conducting Special Outreach Camps where Asha workers and health officials reach out to the community in each ward. That apart, larva survey, source reduction, spraying, fogging and awareness have also contributed to the reduced number of cases, Dr. Lokesh said, adding, “This year we have seen increased awareness and cooperation from people.”
Garbage remains a challenge
Garbage piles and black spots that the BBMP is struggling to tackle effectively are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Dr Mohammed Shariff, Research Officer, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, pointed out that solid waste management, which is critical to containing these infections, is still a challenge. “We see that garbage in public spaces and food waste from eateries are not cleared for days together. If this is not managed properly, containing these infections will remain a problem.”
He added that the onus was equally on individual residents to keep their house and surroundings clean, ensuring that they were not making way for mosquito breeding sites.