Fresh rain triggers dengue fear in Patiala district

Patiala, April 26

At a time when the Health Department is busy focussing on containing the spread of Covid-19 in the district, fresh spell of rains have increased the threat of dengue.

The lockdown has resulted in poor clearance of water at many spots. Consequently, there are chances of water stagnation at these places and the Health Department fears dengue mosquitoes may start breeding there.

Notably, the dengue mosquito thrives in clean stagnant water and recent rains have made temperature conducive for its breeding.

Health officials informed that they have already found dengue larvae at many places during their mass awareness campaign — Friday Dry-day. Under the drive, health teams go door-to-door in the high-risk areas and instruct city residents to keep their water containers dry, at least, for one day in a week.

Following the detection of dengue larvae on Friday, the Health Department has already appealed to city residents to be more vigilant.

Civil Surgeon Harish Malhotra said they had already started spraying larvicides and creating awareness among city residents. — TNS