The rat population in Bangalore is exploding and unless something is done, the City will witness an epidemic soon. “We can have an estimate of the numbers from the burrows. From the areas I have been travelling to, I would say the situation is grim,” medical entomologist Syed Jawid told Deccan Herald.

This is also the case with mosquitoes and cockroaches, he said. The problem is primarily that of rapid, unplanned urbanisation. However, it is still not too late to take steps. “We can make even a place like Kalasipalyam mosquito-free. That is where medical entomology helps,” said Jawid.

This field deals with the prevention, surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases like malaria, chikungunya, leptospirosis (infective jaundice), etc. However, besides the Indian Council for Medical Research, no university offers the course in India.

Right at the planning stage, a medical entomologist helps build in safety factors through proofing of buildings, management of water, waste water and solid waste, etc. “The Bidadi township, which is being planned, can be made free of mosquitos for 30 years,” he said.

He is particularly worried about the rat menace as he explains how rat droppings in water can spread infectious diseases. “Rats urinate every few seconds and a few drops can do the damage,” he said.

Houseflies and cockroaches (he has isolated 15 pathogenic bacteria from a hospital complex abroad) are also equally a menace to public health if above a certain threshold level. A medical entomologist can identify this level and help authorities check spread of epidemics, not only in the City but in the periphery.

Mumbai has an entomologist and is trying to control the rat population, said Jawid. Around 3000 rats are being caught and killed there every day.

Jawid did his thesis on industrialisation and malaria in Vishakapatnam 11 years ago, just when the process of urbanisation saw the conversion of 27 villages into a gigantic plant.

He has also worked in six countries and was last employed with the Ministry of Health, province of Ontario. He is now in Bangalore, his native place, on a break. He offers his expertise to officials of various ministries concerned with public health as also the BDA and any new infrastructure projects like the Metro Rail, etc. He can be contacted on 9916164412 or on syedvc@rediffmail.com