Fever: State mulls Cuban technique'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With dengue cases and deaths recording an all time in the state this year, the government is looking at all possibilities to contain the vector borne disease at least in future. It will reconsider various proposals including the detailed proposal of Dr Alfredo Vera Estrada, Cuban vector control expert, who had held preliminary discussions with officials here in June 2013. The proposal included use of their anti larva solution ‘biolarvicide’ in a designated area.

Though the officials had planned a pilot project it could not take off effectively. ‘Biolarvicide’ is a solution which contains bacteria and its use in stagnant water prevents the larva from growing for a period of 30 to 60 days. It is a biological agent that aids in containing vector population and it does not have any chemicals and is sprayed in water. When contacted, additional chief secretary health Rajeev Sadanandan said;  “We are looking at all proposals including the Cuban one. All possibilities are being explored. The idea is to evolve a effective strategy and mechanism to counter dengue in future.”  

Estrada, an expert in vector control, was engaged in mosquito eradication programmes in Cuba, Srilanka and Africa.  He had held preliminary discussions with authorities during his visit in 2013. Though the then health minister had asked him to submit a detailed proposal for a pilot study, the project could not go forward as desired. When contacted, Sivakumar said; “Yes we did have preliminary discussions with the Cuban expert. But I think the proposal couldn’t go further because of various reasons. The Cuban was asked to submit a detailed report on the cost of pilot study.”   Meanwhile, health experts said the state should have an open mind to all possible proposals for containing dengue.