Dengue fear: HDMC to begin fogging soon

HUBBALLI: The health department of Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) plans to step up precautionary measures to control dengue, chikungunya and other diseases in city.
The department has already started a larvae survey to combat dengue and now it has planned to carry out spraying and fogging activities in wards which are vulnerable to dengue and chikungunya diseases.

About 16 cases of dengue and seven cases of chikungunya were reported from January to April 2018 and the fear and intensity of these diseases spreading is more than ever before. Many are being admitted to private hospitals with complaints of severe joint pain — a symptom of both chikungunya and dengue.

Dr Prabhu Biradar, health officer, HDMC, said, “We are conducting a larvae survey in the twin cities in collaboration with the district health department on a regular basis. If we find presence of larvae in any place, we kill it to prevent spread of diseases. We have detected large larvae deposits in Gamangatti, Navalur and other places during our survey. Precautionary measures have been initiated to disinfect the area. Besides, IEC activities are being conducted to create awareness among people.”

He went on to say fogging will begin from Tuesday. As part of operations, 12 fogging machines will be used in all three divisions — North, South and Dharwad of HDMC — on contract basis. Plans are also on to equip each ward with two fogging machines — which cost Rs 2,500 each — and a tender will be initiated to invite companies to supply fogging machines.

Dr Subhash Babruwad, a retired doctor of district health department and social activist, said the administration should concentrate on effective measures to get rid of sources for the diseases and this is only possible with strict monitoring by senior officials of HDMC.

“People need to be educated on how chikungunya and dengue spreads and what precautions need to be taken,” Babruwad said.

“If each person knows the basic reasons for these diseases, only then can the menace of mosquito-borne diseases be controlled. Otherwise it is very difficult,” he added.