Fogging operations at Sirvodem area of the city.
Anti-larvae spraying at a construction site in Aquem.
Screening of migrant labourers.
MARGAO: Dengue has raised its ugly head in the commercial capital, with a couple of cases detected in the city over the last few days.
Malaria cases have also come to light in certain pockets of the city, particularly near the construction sites. The Margao Urban Health Centre is in the process of sending notices to the builders responsible for not taking preventive measures at the construction sites. In fact, one of the builders has been issued a notice by the PHC last week.
Sources informed that dengue cases have been detected in and around Sirvodem area of the city, even though officials of the Margao Urban Health Centre maintained that the situation is under control. A health official informed that unlike Vasco or other places, there’s no major outbreak of dengue or malaria in the city.
Similarly, malaria cases have been detected at the construction sites, with an official saying most of the detected cases were amongst migrant labourers.
To tide over the situation and to stop the spread of the disease in the city, Margao Urban Health Centre officials have launched a concerted drive in the areas affected by the spurt in cases. An official informed that the PHC team has initiated measures, concentrating on first source reduction measures across the city. A drive was recently held in the Sirvodem ward with the help and cooperation of the ward Councilor and MMC vice-Chairperson DeepaliSawal. ‘We have carried out first source reduction drive in Sirvodem and other areas. The measures include fumigation of the areas, lifting of abandoned tyres. We have lifted away many abandoned tyres from the roadsides and from shops”, the official informed.
Anti-larvae spraying have been carried out at the construction sites, besides screening of the migrant labourers working at the site.
An official informed that the Margao UHC has covered around 3482 houses in its jurisdiction in both Margao and Fatorda, and have found mosquito larvae at around 146 houses.
The team also checked around 5896 breeding sites across the city and found around 111 sites positive for mosquito larvae.
Sources informed that the city was relatively free from malaria and dengue in the months of June and July, barring an odd case. The Health officials are maintaining a close vigil to ensure that dengue does not spread to new areas in the city.
