Thiruvananthapuram in grip of vector-borne diseases

Thiruvananthapuram: Vector-borne diseases including malaria, chik-ungunya and dengue is on the rise in the state capital setting alarm bells ringing for the authorities.  On Monday two chikungunya, nine dengue and three malaria cases were reported in the state capital.

The measures taken up by the health authorities for combating growing vector population in remain ineffective. In the wake of a rise in vector-borne diseases, the District Medical Office (DMO) has given direction to carry out extensive fogging activities in high-risk areas to control the vector population. An official said that an emergency meeting chaired by the district collector would be held this week to coordinate the efforts of various departments to combat the mosquito population.

“Fisherman community is the most vulnerable group. Because of the trawling ban, many fishermen are going to Tamil Nadu coast and return home with high fever. Also, migrant groups are also carriers of the disease. Two migrant adults are down with malaria and we are looking into it,” said an official. The official said that intermittent rainfall is the prime reason for the spurt in vector-borne disease.

In July alone around 33 confirmed dengue cases and 57 suspected dengue cases were reported in the district taking the total number of confirmed dengue cases to 148. So far around 14 chikungunya cases, 10 malaria cases were reported in the district this year. The official said that the coordination of activities of various departments is the only way out. “Direction has been given to do indoor spraying and fogging at places with high mosquito index,” said the official.