THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A sudden spurt in dengue cases in the state capital is raising serious concern with the health authorities struggling to counter the growing mosquito population in the district. Restriction on extensive fogging activities by the health authorities have come as a blow for the health staffs as the vector index is reaching beyond limits in many parts of the district.
On Thursday alone four confirmed dengue cases were reported in the state capital taking the total number of confirmed cases to 136 this year. This year three confirmed dengue deaths and two suspected deaths were reported in the district.
Health minister K.K. Shailaja launched the adult mosquito trap to counter the growing mosquito population with much fanfare nearly a month ago. However, the plan to produce the trap on a mass scale with the help of Kudumbashree Mission is yet to take off.
The community wing had developed an indigenous cost-effective version of the Geneva model mosquito trap recommended by WHO.The trap has been proved useful to trap old mosquitoes that are ready to lay eggs. Hay solution is used to attract the mosquitoes which would get trapped in the plastic container.
An official said that the project is yet to take off. Apart from preliminary discussions, the authorities are yet to enter into an official agreement with the Kudumbashree.
An official of the District Medical Office said that they are currently focusing on source reduction activities. “The mosquito trap was developed by the community wing under the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and there were few discussions. We don’t have funds for manufacturing traps in mass numbers. We hope the project will take off soon with financial aid from the government,” said the official.
Sources with the Kudumbashree Mission confirmed that they are yet to get the nod from the government to roll out the project. “We have been asked to visit high-risk areas and sensitise the public on how to use the trap effectively,” said an official.
