MP: Dengue, malaria cases sting state on nets campaign
A reality check on dengue and malaria cases — on the eve of the World Mosquito Day — in the last five years shows the state government’s slackness in following the United Nations’ Nothing But Nets campaign.
A reality check on dengue and malaria cases — on the eve of the World Mosquito Day — in the last five years shows the state government’s slackness in following the United Nations’ Nothing But Nets campaign.
Madhya Pradesh recorded more than 225 dengue cases since January this year. Bhopal district with 40 cases comes second after Sehore with 98 cases, health department data show.
The state capital reported 362 malaria cases this year.
Nothing But Nets is a global campaign to save lives by preventing malaria and dengue in developing countries. The UN’s message says one net, which costs less than $10, can save a child’s life.
A child dies from malaria every 60 seconds in the world, says a UN report. Another UN report says countries such as India, Bangladesh, China, and Indonesia have high vulnerability to dengue.
Dengue and malaria are mosquito-borne diseases for which the UN has launched the campaign.
Neither Hamidia Hospital nor JP Hospital in Bhopal distribute mosquito nets for prevention of malaria and dengue. Officials said JP Hospital was instructed by the state government to distribute mosquito nets for free to patients but this was yet to be followed.
Though anti-fogging campaign launched by the state health department is going on, preventive measures such as distributing medicinal nets are not being followed, officials said.
“My sister suffered from dengue, so when we reached the district hospital, she was advised only rest and no mosquito net or medicine was given,” said Vikas Sahu.
“Dengue is caused by a virus. There is no definite medicine or antibiotic to treat it. The only treatment is to take rest and keep taking fluids for hydration,” said Veena Sinha, chief medical and health officer of Bhopal.
Precautions
Mosquito net is a must as mosquitoes breed on house premises; school kids are the most vulnerable
Full-sleeve clothes should be worn; mosquitoes attack mostly neck region, ankles and arms
Coolers or any other water storage should be emptied during monsoons.
Courtesy: Dr Padmakar Tripathi, nodal officer (malaria and dengue) MP