JOIN USMCD gears up to fight malaria
Over 5,000 houses were found to be positive for mosquito breeding in the capital, according to a report by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation.
So far, the corporation has served 5,720 legal notices to buildings which were found to be breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The administrative heads of all government offices, educational institutions, commercial establishments and market associations need to be proactive to prevent mosquito breeding, said Praveen Gupta, North Corporation commissioner.
The corporation urged people to take extra care in checking of mosquito breeding in offices and residential areas for prevention of dengue and malaria. Breeding of mosquitoes in offices is a serious concern, Gupta said.
Six cases of dengue and three cases of malaria have been reported in the capital this season. No deaths have been reported so far. Last year, there were three dengue deaths here.
The corporation has drawn up a programme of a weekly anti-larvae programme in open where there is stagnant water and through 1,300 engaged domestic breeding checkers in houses. In 90 spots where there was stagnant water, fishes were found by the corporation. To avoid falling prey to malaria, dengue and chikungunya, the corporation has advised citizens to follow basic guidelines.
Coolers are often the greatest breeding ground for mosquitoes in summer. It’s important that coolers be cleaned once a week and mopped dry, petrol or kerosene be put in all coolers that cannot be emptied, water tanks be covered and empty containers be not left in the open.
The corporation is planning to intensify the checks at both official and residential houses.
IMA to sensitise docs
The Indian medical Association (IMA) will sensitise over 2 lakh doctors on vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue to spread awareness on the issue.
“All doctors should be equipped with the basic knowledge on how to diagnose malaria and dengue at the earliest. We will send across SMSes and e-mails to sensitise doctors,” said Dr K K Aggarwal, Honorary General Secretary, IMA.