Civic staff on alert as Hyderabad records dengue cases

Hyderabad: Even before people can heave a sigh of relief from the devastation caused by Covid-19 pandemic, fresh troubles are brewing for residents of Hyderabad, as new cases of dengue have been reported in the state capital.   

As many as three cases of dengue have been recorded in Jeedimetla, Quthbullapur and Bowenpally in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in the first week of June. The presence of aedes aegypti mosquitoes has been found in Bowenpally area and the entomology wing of the GHMC is surveying areas and asking people to empty fresh water containers kept outside for birds and other stray animals.

With the early onset of monsoon and pre-monsoon showers in summer, early breeding of dengue mosquitoes began, bringing bad tidings for the city’s populace.

There are fresh water bowls for animal and bird feeding which are kept in residential localities in summers which are being noted as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Flower pot trays, collection of fresh water in broken, discarded plastic bottles, bags and containers are also some of the places where these mosquitoes breed.

From January to May, 46 cases of dengue have been recorded in the GHMC areas. In the year 2020, there were 300 cases recorded in the GHMC areas. Dr Ram Babu, chief entomologist at the GHMC says, "We have already started anti-larva operations in 30 lakes in the city. There are a total of 39 lakes and the works in the remaining nine lakes are also to start soon. Other works of fogging and awareness are also being carried out. Localities where we know that people have to be reminded to cover their drinking water cans and not allow fresh water to collect in containers is also being carried out. We are asking them to dry these containers completely a day in a week to avoid breeding of these mosquitoes."

The cases this year have been mild and doctors say that children and teenagers are the most infected.

Dr Karuna Madapu, a paediatrician says, "Breeding sites of aedes are a concern and it is important that the government acts fast and creates proper awareness. There were less cases last year but we must be alert this year as the monsoon has arrived early. There can be variations in the cycle of dengue virus."

In 2019, Hyderabad city witnessed a large number of dengue cases and the state recorded 13,331 cases in the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme. This experience has got the government and medical fraternity on alert.

Box:

Dengue cases in 2020 in the state: 2,173

Dengue cases in 2021 in the state (till May): 143