PANAJI
Goa’s dengue incidence graph is seemingly taking a deep dive. In the first three months this year (January to March), the number of people who have tested positive for the mosquito-transmitted disease has dropped to nearly one-third of the number reported in the same three months last year.
Twenty-three cases ” seven in January, nine in February and seven in March ” have been reported this year. As against this number, there were 76 cases in January“March last year.
Dr Kalpana Mahatme, who heads the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme for the Directorate of Health Services, said the awareness about the disease and the do’s and don’ts being communicated to communities in hot-spot areas is seemingly paying off.
Of the seven cases in March this year, five were from North Goa and two from the South, and most hail from the migrant labour community residing at construction sites or in slums, Dr Mahatme said.
Meanwhile, with unseasonal rains experienced recently, which create conducive conditions for mosquito breeding, the department has intensified its awareness drives in the areas mapped as dengue hotspots.
Cleanliness drives, door-to-door awareness, spraying of mosquito pesticides and intervention to destroy mosquito breeding in residential colonies are some of the activities being carried out, Mahatme said, adding that the department is focusing on settlements of migrant workers and construction projects.
Mahatme said assistance from other departments is also being enlisted and workshops are being conducted for elected representatives at the panchayat and municipalities.
They are being encouraged to inspect and check their respective neighbourhoods once a week for rejected vehicle tyres lying in the open and water accumulating.
Avoid self-medication
“Fevers are usually ignored and self-treated with medication. However, it could be dengue fever. If you experience symptoms like fever, vomiting, stomach pain, chills and excessive sweating, you should immediately visit a primary health centre where free treatment is available,” DHS Deputy Director Dr Kalpana Mahatme said.
