Dengue And Malaria Cases Rise In Capital City, Ways To Stay Safe

The capital city has witnessed a concerning rise in dengue and malaria cases over the past 24 hours. According to the office of the chief medical officer, 61 new active dengue cases and 4 new malaria cases were reported, bringing the total count for the year to 779 and 425 respectively. This alarming increase has prompted health authorities to intensify their efforts to control the spread of these vector-borne diseases.

Areas Affected By It

The dengue cases were primarily reported in the densely populated areas of Indiranagar, Chandernagar, Aliganj, NK Road, Tudiyaganj, Bakshi Ka Talab, Itaunja, Red Cross, Silver Jubilee, Chinhat, Gosaiganj, Sarojninagar, and Aishbagh. Malaria cases were concentrated in Aliganj, NK Road, and Chandernagar. These areas are known for their high population density, inadequate sanitation facilities, and proximity to stagnant water bodies, which create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Malaria Prevention Efforts

The city malaria unit has been actively working to prevent the spread of malaria by conducting extensive field visits to identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. During their inspections over the weekend, 12 houses were identified as high-risk areas due to the presence of stagnant water in containers, flowerpots, and other receptacles. Notices will be issued to these households, urging them to take immediate action to clear these breeding grounds and prevent further mosquito proliferation.

Symptoms and Prevention of Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Symptoms typically appear 3-14 days after the mosquito bite and may include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding gums or nose. In severe cases, dengue can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

To prevent dengue, it is essential to take the following measures:

Eliminate mosquito breeding sites: Regularly empty and clean water containers, flowerpots, and discarded tyres. Cover water storage tanks and drums to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

Use mosquito repellents: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or other effective ingredients when going outdoors.

Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants: This will help protect you from mosquito bites.

Sleep under mosquito nets: Use mosquito nets treated with insecticide to prevent bites while sleeping.

Community Awareness and Inspections

The CMO's malaria unit has been conducting extensive community outreach programs to educate residents about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of dengue and malaria. The team has been visiting schools, colleges, and residential areas to distribute pamphlets, brochures, and posters containing information on these diseases. Additionally, the unit has been conducting door-to-door surveys to assess the awareness levels of residents and provide them with guidance on preventive measures.

By combining community awareness efforts with aggressive mosquito control measures, the health authorities hope to contain the spread of dengue and malaria and prevent further outbreaks in the capital city.