Mosquito threat looms over Kochi

Kochi: A week-long survey conducted by the district vector control unit, functioning under the health department, has found a significant rise in disease-spreading aedes and culex mosquitoes in many parts of the city, giving rise to the threat of disease outbreaks.

The survey found density of larva of aedes mosquitoes in the range of 10 to 15 in places like Justice Koshi Avenue Road, Willingdon Island and KPK Menon Road among others. "A density above 10 might cause in the outbreak of dengue," said a health department official. "We've initiated quick measures like fogging in such places. Special focus was given in divisions 31 and 28 where dengue fever cases were reported earlier."

Similarly, the survey found the density of culex mosquitoes, which cause diseases such as filariasis, in corporation areas in the range of 110 to 115. A score above 50 makes risk of disease outbreak very high.

The study, done from February 11 to 17, detected larvae of mosquitoes of the anopheles genus that can cause malaria among others in areas such as Gandhi Nagar (division 63). The survey also studied stagnant water samples from areas outside the city. It found presence of mosquitoes spreading Japanese encephalitis in Anikkadu area of Avoli panchayat.

"We've taken measures on a war-footing at several parts of the city following the findings," the official said. With the rise in temperature, the mosquito population, too, often increases. "People should take special care in avoiding formation of stagnant water on their house premises, especially those areas which received summer rains,” the official said.