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Mosquitoes return to haunt the city

Dengue season
Last Updated 23 April 2015, 14:38 IST

Friends Muftah Siddiqui and Aamir Malik sitting on their terrace in Shaheen Bagh after midnightwere guffawing about something and waving their hands frantically. Another day, another night, and some distance away, within the verdant premises of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Abza Bhardwaj and Gazal Malik enjoying an eat-out at the famous open air 24X7 canteen were engaged in a similar action.

In between mouthfuls and fanning themselves, the duo were busy fending off the persistent army of mosquitoes buzzing around their heads, their itchy, irritating bites ruining an otherwise pleasant meal. The lively conversation suddenly veers towards ‘death due to mosquito bites’.
Most people who visit JNU would know about the mosquito menace besieging the hallowed precincts of the institution. With summers making its presence felt in more ways than one, residents at the university, and indeed across the National Capital, await with trepidation the annual onslaught by these winged parasites.

“In our hostel rooms we have to keep desert coolers because fans stop being effective after sometime. Air conditioners do not even figure in the list of options. Add to these regular summer woes, are the mosquitoes that infest every nook and cranny of the premises,” Bhardwaj tells Metrolife.

She says that even students living on rent have to use coolers, as not many can afford an AC in their rooms.

As she slaps down a mosquito, placing it next to the ones she’d previously killed, she says in exasperation, “Mera kya hoga bhagwaan? I do not even have my family around to take care of me. What will happen if I fall ill from mosquito bites?” Her fear is shared by many in the city.

Summer brings with it a series of problems and diseases too. One of the most common being the mosquito menace and dengue. Last year, around this time, several cases of dengue were being reported from different parts of the country. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Program reported more than 40,000 cases in the year 2014 across the country. This year, more than 2,000 cases have been nationally, while six cases of dengue and three cases of malaria in the city have been reported so far.

It is common knowledge, dengue-causing mosquitoes, the Aedes aegypti, dwell in stagnant water, easily found in and around our homes. And one can get rid of the Aedes mosquito by checking and removing stagnant water and ensuring that water coolers are frequently cleaned. But what does one do when you have to move out from the secure environs of the home?

Near a crematorium in Jhandewalan, people randomly ease themselves despite a writing on the wall stating that urinating outside the temple premises is strictly prohibited. Dirty water that flows unchecked in the area, combined with construction debris and garbage spilling out on the sidewalk are a virtual health hazard. The place has become a haven for mosquitoes as well. Be it Shaheen Bagh, Abul Fazal Enclave, Mayur Vihar, Trilokpuri, New Ashok Nagar or residential colonies/housing societies at IP Extension, overflowing sewage, open garbage dumps and unswept roads are a common sight. Not surprising residents in these areas are unhappy about these unhygienic conditions which are a breeding ground not just for mosquitoes but other diseases as well.

“The situation in Mayur Vihar is so bad that it seems we now have to use mosquito repellents and sit under the mosquito net even during the day,” complains Reeta Solanki, resident of DDA Flats Mayur Vihar, Pocket III.

“When it comes to dengue, prevention is the key. Not just within your homes, it is important to be cautious while travelling as well. Using repellents, anti-dengue pest products and wearing full sleeved clothing helps a lot,” advises Dr Sanjay K Rai, Additional Professor, Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
According to Dr S P Bayotra, senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, people who are panicking about the Aedes biting them ‘all night’, should know that the mosquito only ‘works’ during the day time and has white and black bands on its legs and bodies.
Dr Rai says, “Seek medical attention if illness is suspected: There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. For severe dengue a timely treatment and diagnosis helps in reduction of mortality from 20 per cent to less than one per cent.”

Spokesperson, East Delhi Municipal Corporation Yogendra Singh Mann told Metrolife that the MCD has launched a drive to check on stagnant water in households. “We are conducting house-to-house visits to sensitise residents about keeping their homes and environs clean.
As the Aedes mosquito requires seven days to breed it’s important to ensure that water in the coolers is changed frequently.”

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(Published 23 April 2015, 14:38 IST)

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