DIMAPUR, AUGUST 20 (MExN): The National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) has appealed to the public in Dimapur to observe one dry day in a week following the detection of Dengue cases in the town this month.
As part of the dry day, people have been asked to empty out water in all the containers around the house like flower pot bases, empty vessels, coolers, tyres, buckets etc into a dry area because dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant clean water and the eggs will hatch in a week.
With the early onset of Dengue in Dimapur as compared to the past years, the NVBDCP, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, informed that it has been tirelessly working in containing the disease by undertaking various entomological and awareness activities.
However, despite the programme’s efforts to contain dengue, drawing on a recent study conducted by the entomological wing in various localities of Dimapur, it was found that the container index which refers to the number of dengue mosquito population in containers around the house like water reservoirs, empty vessels, flower pot bases, buckets, tyres etc is still very high, which confirms that the community/public have failed in their part of preventing dengue.
A press note from the NVBDCP Joint Director and SPO, Dr Talitemsula informed that the aedes aegypti mosquito is a ‘synanthropic’ species – much like houseflies and cockroaches – that benefit from artificial habitats created where people live.
Unless every household actively participates in controlling dengue breeding in and around their surroundings, combating dengue disease only through the endeavours of the programme alone is futile, it said.
Therefore, as part of the one dry day a week appeal, it asked the public to keep all water filled vessels and tanks tightly covered and throw out any rubbish lying around like plastic cups, old containers, tyres, coconut shells etc and to check around the compound every week.
It further advised people to ensure that that all sleep under the mosquito net during day and night time especially pregnant women and children, and to immediately consult a doctor in case of high fever.
