30 dengue cases reported in four months -ToI

TNN | May 27, 2013, 12.41 AM IST PANAJI: No deaths from any of the four vector-borne diseases have been reported in the past year, but health department officials are seized by a new worry, as the number of dengue cases has risen to 30 in just four months. A total of 39 cases were reported during 2012, but between January and April, this year, almost as many cases of dengue were detected. Sachin Govekar, deputy director of health services, in charge of national vector borne disease control programme in Goa, said a sudden rise in the dengue cases is a worrisome trend. And more so, because 30 cases have been detected in non -monsoon period. "We have more dengue cases during monsoon," said Govekar indicating that Goa might have more dengue cases in 2013 than 2012. Though they have been taking all precautionary measures, it will still be a daunting task to control dengue cases when states surrounding Goa have had dengue outbreaks. Dengue outbreaks were reported from Delhi, Bangalore, Belgaum and Mumbai. Dengue is a viral disease and no vaccine is available for its treatment. Hence, prevention is the best mode to contain the spread of dengue. Aedes aegypti mosquito has potential to spread dengue fever. Govekar said aedes mosquito breeds in clean water stored in overhead tanks, drums, barrels, small cups and throw away bottles. The focus of the department during its drives is on cleanliness and preventing the spread of aedes mosquito. Health workers insist during cleanliness drives that people do not leave vessels filled with water uncovered. "When water is stored in vessels and not covered, care should be taken to empty it every week to stop breeding. Why, even a flower vase or a pot with water, kept in the house, can be a source of breeding," he added. The health department has started its pre-monsoon drives to spread the message. "No water stagnation, no mosquito breeding," is their mantra. Govekar warned that breeding can take place even in garbage dumps having small cups or bottles filled with water. Since 2008, when a school boy in Calangute died of dengue, schools are regularly notified to ensure that there is no breeding of mosquitoes in the school premises. Every school is required to indentify a teacher whose task is to check if any part of the school has scope for mosquito breeding. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/30-dengue-cases-reported-in-four-months/articleshow/20281731.cms