Sudden spurt in dengue cases in Surat

SURAT: There has been sudden spurt in dengue cases in the city with an estimated 400 people under medication for the viral disease since past three days. Rander Gamtal and Adajan Gam in West Zone are the worst-hit areas. The city had 58 confirmed cases of dengue in September and 26 in October so far.
Municipal commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani said, "We are giving priority to suspected cases as that of dengue only. People must ensure that there is no breeding of mosquitoes in their premises.”

Meanwhile, health department of SMC started a campaign on Tuesday to destroy breeding spots of mosquitoes that are a cause of spread of dengue and malaria. The health department staffers have started a door-to-door survey, fogging and detection of mosquito breeding spots across the city. Around 207 people were fined after breeding spots of mosquitoes were found in their houses or premises, including open plots and construction sites. It is for the first time that SMC is levying fine of Rs200 if breeding spot of mosquito is found in a household. On the first day of the campaign, over 150 breeding spots were destroyed in houses.
Deputy mayor Nirav Shah discussed the situation in west zone with municipal commissioner in a meeting. Dr JP Wagadia, in-charge of vector borne diseases control department (VBDC), said, “We found breeding of mosquitoes in the tray of a refrigerator in one of the flats of Deepa Complex. The flat owner was fined and corrective measure taken by us.”
Dr Ashish Naik, deputy commissioner of health, SMC, said, “Danger looms large over the city. This year, we have had rain up to Dussehra. The present climate is conducive to mosquito breeding. People must keep their houses clean and ensure that they are free of mosquito breeding spots.”