Mosquito density has started to dip in Vellore. Along with it, the number of fever and dengue cases is also on the decline, say health officials. However, with parts of the district receiving fresh spells of showers, officials have cautioned public to ensure that there were no fresh breeding of mosquitoes.
In the last few weeks, there have been intensive checks on mosquito breeding in houses, public places, government offices and industries.
Several government departments such as Revenue, Rural Development, Health, local bodies along with NGOs, colleges, self help groups and workers of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act scheme have been carrying out checks across the district, according to officials.
“Intensifying the checks on mosquito breeding have in fact helped. The mosquito density and larval density is on the decreasing trend now, when compared to earlier weeks,” an official said. While adult mosquito density is measured by per man per hour (number of mosquitoes collected by one person in an hour), larval density is measured by house index (how many containers in the houses surveyed were positive for larvae).
He added that the number of patients admitted with fever in government and private hospitals in Vellore was also on the decline. Similar was the case with the patients testing positive for dengue.
“From January this year, we have recorded 314 dengue cases in Vellore. There were more number of cases in September. From a time when 30 to 35 persons tested positive for dengue per day, the number has reduced to 10 to 15 positive cases per day now,” he explained.
Earlier, the number of fever admissions was 120 per day in both government and private hospitals.
Now, about 60 to 80 persons were being admitted with fever, the official said.
Another officer of the Health Department said the intensive check on mosquito breeding and imposing of fine on those who failed to check on breeding sources has worked to their advantage.
“There is definitely a reduction in the mosquito density when compared to last week. With heavy rains, the sources are likely to be washed out. Peri-domestic breeding that is in unused things such as broken pots and coconut shells are the main challenge as these are usually in hidden places. These sources will be washed out in heavy rains,” he added.
Word of caution
However, officials also put in a word of caution. “With fresh spells of rains, people should be aware of fresh breeding of mosquitoes. Water storage containers should be closed properly, while unused containers should be kept upside down. People should check their surrounding for mosquito breeding sources regularly,” he also added.
