Delhi govt braces for dengue outbreak

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government is preparing for another dengue outbreak this year with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting 106% rainfall this

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government is preparing for another dengue outbreak this year with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting 106% rainfall this year.

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The monsoon arrived in Delhi on Saturday, three days behind schedule.

“Last year, Delhi saw its worst dengue outbreak since 2010 even when there was deficient rainfall. This year, with excessive rainfall predicted, we need to be on our toes. The weather will be conducive for mosquito breeding,” said Dr SM Raheja, in charge of the Delhi government’s dengue control cell.

Since aedes aegypti, the mosquito that transmits dengue, breeds in clean, stagnant water, the dengue cell is planning to break the breeding cycle by promoting a “dry day” once a week. The mosquito takes 8 to 10 days to mature.

“On that day, people will be asked to empty clear stagnant water out of vessels such as the tray under the fridge, pots, feng shui plants, coolers or tumblers. We will ask them to keep these dry for a day. This will prevent mosquitoes from breeding inside homes,” said Dr Raheja.

If possible, once a week people should also clear their surroundings of any solid waste, such as cups and tyres, which can hold rainwater.

The government, he said, was not of the view that outbreaks were cyclic because communities became immune. This means fewer cases occur in the years that follow an outbreak.

“Dengue is endemic in the region. It will spread whenever there are mosquitogenic conditions. There was an outbreak in 2006, then in 2010, 2013 and 2015. It happened at an interval of three years, two years and a year. There is no cyclical approach here,” said Dr Raheja.

The dengue cell is spreading awareness about the prevention of mosquito breeding.

“At the moment, we can prevent an outbreak by not letting the aedes aegypti breed. We are informing schools, colleges, offices and resident welfare organisations about the preventive steps that need to be taken,” said Dr Raheja.

On Friday, Union Minister of Health JP Nadda reviewed dengue preparedness across India. The Centre has increased surveillance hospitals to 527 and linked them with 15 apex referral labs that have advanced diagnostic facilities.