Cleanest city sees 91 dengue cases in six months

Even as Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) officials bask in the glory of retaining Swachh Bharat ranking, spiralling mosquito population is sure to bite them hard, especially with an alarming rise in dengue cases in the recent past.

It was evident with the statistics provided by the Health Officer (Chamaraja Assembly segment) Dr D G Nagaraj, during a progress review meeting, chaired by Mayor B L Bhyrappa, here, on Thursday.

The officer told the mayor, as many as 91 confirmed dengue cases, against 123 suspected cases, were reported from January to June 15 in the MCC limits. All the affected persons recovered and no deaths have been reported so far.

Elaborating on the measures taken to check the spread of mosquitoes that cause infection, leading to dengue fever, the officer explained, “Outdoor fogging has been taken up to a larger extent, covering stormwater drains and parks. Though indoor fogging is also advised in extreme cases, not many residents agree for it.”

The mayor, who seemed unsatisfied with the reply, asked the officer to keep himself (mayor) and the commissioner in the loop, whenever such preventive measures are taken up. He wanted to know the epicentre of such cases.

The mayor pointed at low-lying areas and slums, particularly in NR Mohalla, where hygiene remains a mirage. Earlier, the mayor brought to the notice of the officials that the Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader, during his recent visit to the city, had expressed concern over rising dengue cases. In addition to this, District Health Officer Dr B Basavaraju had blamed the MCC for not taking up adequate measures to prevent vector-borne dengue fever.

Meeting

MCC Commissioner C G Betsurmath directed the officials to be prepared for the progress review meeting of the principal secretary of Urban Development department scheduled to be held on June 21. Prior to the meeting, the officer will inspect works on the eve on June 20.