Govt says upsurge predicted in dengue

Amid "predicted upsurge" in dengue, whose vector mosquito also transmits Zika, the Centre today asked all states to declare the disease as "notifiable" and said it will launch a mobile application to create awareness for its prevention and control.
Union Health Secretary B P Sharma, who reviewed the preparation of states to address dengue in the coming months through video conference with senior officials of 33 states, also emphasised on the intensification of vector-control measures.
A notifiable disease is one that is required by law to be reported to government authorities and the collation of information allows the authorities to monitor the disease and provide early warning of possible outbreaks.

Sharma also reviewed the preparation of the states for the ensuing transmission period in north and central states and ongoing efforts for control of dengue in the southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
"The advance review at the Health Secretary level with the states was done in view of the predicted upsurge of vector- borne diseases due to global warming and El Nino effect.
"In the interaction with the states, it was pointed out that as there is no specific drug or vaccine for dengue, vector control measures constitute a priority action agenda. As the same vector mosquito transmits Zika, timely preparation would help in prevention of transmission of Zika too," the Union Health Ministry said.

During the conference, emphasis was laid on intensification of vector control, effective community participation towards prevention and control of dengue, inter- sectoral coordination and filling up the vacant posts of entomologists at the state, zone and district level.

"All states to make dengue as a notifiable disease which has been done by some states. To be vigilant for keeping international airports and seaports Aedes-free as a preventive measure against possible entry of Zika virus," it was emphasised.
A total of 19 states and UTs including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and others participated in the video-conference yesterday while others including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and others took part in the conference today.

"The government will soon launch a mobile app to empower the community for mosquito control and creating awareness about prevention and control of dengue," the Health Ministry said in a statement.