Mysuru: Cases of mosquito borne diseases have reduced in the district as per the official data. In the last five months, dengue cases in the district have come down drastically when compared to the corresponding period last year. Until May 2017, there were 85 dengue cases and 5 Chikungunya cases reported while this year 10 dengue cases and 5 Chikungunya positive cases have been reported in the district. Since last two years, not a even single positive malaria case has been reported in the district.
A systematic campaign of surveillance, prevention and vector control and aggressive screening and treatment are some of the reasons for the reduction in the number of dengue, chikungunya and malaria cases in the district. Speaking to Newskarnataka.com, Mysuru District Vector Borne Diseases Control Officer Dr. S Chidambar said, “People are also more aware about the symptoms and reasons behind dengue and chikungunya.”
Though all of the mosquitoes responsible for the spread of these diseases breed in stagnant water, malaria causing mosquitoes are active during night hours, while dengue and chikungunya causing Aedes mosquito bites during the day time. “With the increased awareness, people are taking preventive steps to avoid mosquito bites during day and night time. People should continue taking precautionary measures to protect themselves from these diseases”, Dr. Chidambar cautioned.
Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in fresh water and multiply quickly. As one of the effective ways to prevent spread of dengue and chikungunya is to stop the breeding cycle of mosquitoes, Dr. Chidambar requested people to cover the water containers such as water tanks, buckets and other water filled utensils.
Symptoms of Chikungunya and dengue include fever, headache, joint pain and pain around the eyes, seven to eight days after the mosquito bites. Dr. Chidambar requested people to consult the doctor immediately if they notice fever and any of the two symptoms.
