Lack of coordination derails dengue fight in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: With dengue cases shooting up by the day in the state, experts have called for coordinated efforts from different government agencies to prevent the situation from going out of hand.

At a time when state wide environmental management and source reduction programmes is required on a big scale to check dengue problem, on the ground there is lack of coordination between different agencies including local bodies and health department. At many places the corporation and health department are indulging in blame game, holding each other responsible for lack of effective vector control measures.

According to experts biological control measures like use of mosquito fish in ornamental tanks, fountains and use of biocides need to be intensified along with the activities aimed at detection and elimination of mosquito breeding sources. Some measures which need to be implemented on priority include management of roof tops, porticos and sunshades, proper covering of stored water, reliable water supply, observation of weekly dry day, sensitising and involving the community for detection of aedes breeding places and their elimination.

Lack of effective waste disposal mechanism in various towns and cities continue to remain one of the major reasons for breeding of mosquitoes. The recent spell of summer showers has led to clogging of  drains and ponds with plastic waste creating fertile ground for mosquito breeding.

It has also triggered an increase in mosquito population with dengue cases now being reported almost on a daily basis from various parts of the state.