Andhra Pradesh: Rise in mosquito numbers rings alarm bells
In the normal course, breeding of mosquitoes should have decreased by December end.
NIZAMABAD: Mosquito breeding has increased at an alarming rate in the rural and urban areas in Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts, leading to more cases of vector-borne diseases in the area. In the normal course, breeding of mosquitoes should have decreased by December end.
Unhygienic conditions coupled with fluctuations in temperature are major reasons for the unusual breeding of mosquitoes. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, assistant malaria officer K. Suresh said mosquitoes lay eggs in cool climatic conditions and breeding would be more.
Usually, mosquitoes breeding should be decreased by December end and the situation continues till monsoon season in June. Meanwhile, rural and urban local bodies like gram panchyats, municipalities and Nizamabad municipal corporation are geared up to control the menace.
To avoid malaria, dengue and chikungunya diseases, civic bodies will take up anti-larval operations under the supervision of district malaria wing. In Nizamabad municipal corporation limits, officials identified 300 points, where mosquito breeding is abnormal.
Stagnation of water in drainages, abandoned coconut shells, tyres, tubes and other materials are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Malaria officials will supply chemicals to municipalities and gram panchayats for regular fogging in habitations.
Rural and urban local bodies should prepare plan of action to prevent the menace of mosquitoes to avoid serious health problems. In Nizamabad municipal corporation, merely 400 sanitation workers are on duty, whereas 2,000 workers are required for complete sanitation works.
The situation is similar in gram panchayats as shortage of manpower and funds are adversely affecting the sanitation works. In January, officials found malaria and dengue cases – one each - in Nizamabad.
Posts of the district malaria officer, assistant malaria officer and other field staff are vacant in Nizamabad district. Deputy district medical and health officer Dr. Tukaram Rathod is having additional charge of malaria wing.