5,353 get notices for breeding of malaria, dengue larvae

Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 20

The Health Department has served notices on 5,353 persons for letting larvae of malaria and dengue breed in their houses and other establishments in the state. Of these, 2,108 notices have been issued in Rohtak district alone.

Following an early outbreak of malaria, particularly in Mewat, the Health Department has initiated several steps, including surveys for the presence of larvae in various districts.

Dr Vijay Garg, Director (Vector-Borne Diseases), Health Department, said that a special campaign against malaria had been launched in Mewat district in coordination with the district administration in view of the last year’s outbreak there. Mewat had witnessed 6,638 cases of malaria last year. This year too, over 3,000 suspected cases of malaria have already been reported in Mewat.

A rapid response team (RRT) comprising District Malaria Officer Dr Rajiv Batish, physician Dr Krishan Kumar, paediatrician Dr Anil Yadav, epidemiologist Vimlesh Narayan Tiwari and laboratory attendant Rakesh has been set up for the district.

A control room has been set up at Civil Hospital, Mandikhera, with emergency number 7027855102 for immediate action in case of outbreak in any village.

“All positive cases of malaria are being followed up and radical treatment (RT) is being given under the supervision of Multipurpose Health Workers (MPHWs),” Dr Garg said.

He said 37 MPHWs, five laboratory technicians and seven Health Supervisors have been deputed in Mewat from neighbouring districts of the state.

Nineteen teams of indoor residual spray (IRS) had been put into service in various villages of Mewat, he said. Nearly 85,000 rapid diagnostic test kits had been provided to Mewat district to meet the challenge, he added.

Meanwhile, in a message from Rio, Health Minister Anil Vij has asked the Director General of Health Services to take necessary steps to control malaria and dengue.