New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) Overnight showers in the national capital
and prediction of more rains has triggered an alarm among health
officials, with experts warning that the dengue situation might worsen.
According to experts, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits
the dengue virus to humans, breeds in clean water and the showers
might lead to water accumulation on rooftops, and other spots.
"When intermittent rains take place, common diseases which pose
risk to people are dengue, malaria and chikungunia. At a time when
hospitals are already grappling with shortage of beds with more patients
approaching them for treatment for dengue, it might be an alarming
situation," a senior doctor at AIIMS said.
Another doctor at RML Hospital shared his concern, calling upon
the civic bodies to be more efficient in ensuring that water doesn't
collect at places.
"This is really a matter of concern as already hospitals are flooded
with patients and health centres are groaning with shortages of beds,
people have to be sensitised too. Also MCD should check mosquito
breeding at the sensitive places," he said.
"Civic bodies will have to intensify checking of mosquito breeding
grounds as puddles near houses and office buildings are major risks," he added.
According to MCD officials, they have been regularly sending people
from door-to-door for the mosquito breeding checks.
"If there is any collection of water amywhere, we will step up our
measures there. The residents should also take precautions," they said.
Charan Singh, Nodal Officer said, "To tackle this issue door-to-door
awareness campaign and active volunteer participation is necessary
and there is need to take on board NGOs too for the purpose. The
approach has to be wholesome to tackle the menace".
Four more persons succumbed to dengue in the capital yesterday,
taking the death toll to 20, prompting the Delhi government to approve
nearly 800 additional beds in 48 private hospitals.
Facing criticism for failing to control the situation, Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal had reached out to the Opposition parties seeking
their suggestions to deal with the crisis