MCD steps up measures to combat dengue, chikungunya

Amid rising cases of dengue and chikungunya in the national capital, the civic bodies in Delhi have stepped up preventive measures by hiking the number of field workers, distribution of special mosquito nets and awareness programmes in schools.
The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has deployed additional 900 field workers for carrying out vector-borne disease control measures in its areas, a senior SDMC official said.
Out of the total 311 dengue cases reported till August 20, SDMC has reported 47 cases, while East Delhi and North Delhi Municipal Corporations have recorded 16 and 10 cases respectively. Four persons have died due to the disease so far, though the MCD has acknowledged only two fatalities.

"Chikungunya cases have suddenly increased in the city but people should not get alarmed as the disease anyway is not life-threatening though preventive measures must be taken, and we are raising awareness among the citizens.
"We have already distributed 1.2 lakh impregnated mosquito nets (laced with special chemical) to people. Our DBCs (dengue breeding checkers) are regularly inspecting households and other places for checking mosquito-breeding. Dengue cases this year, I guess, would not be as big as it was last year, so we need just more preventive measures," North Delhi Mayor Sanjeev Nayyar said.
Out of the total dengue cases reported this season in the national capital, nearly 192 were recorded in the first three weeks of August.

At AIIMS laboratories which get blood samples from Delhi and other parts of the country, 362 samples have tested positive for chikungunya from July to August 20.
East Delhi Standing Committee Chairman Jitender Chaudhary said a proposal has been mooted to include 'nala beldars', workers who clean small nullahs before monsoon, in the DBC team, to address the shortage of manpower in this area.
"We have 710 DBCs and they conduct inspections regularly of coolers and rooftop water tanks in households. For chikungunya and dengue, we are doing regular awareness programmes, especially in schools, and move is to include private aided schools in the list. Besides, we are planning to hold discussions with RWAs and marketing associations about this," he said.