Even as various parts of the state are witnessing rains, it is learnt that cases of dengue are reportedly increasing at an alarming rate with the Ponda health centre reporting 38 cases of the disease till date. It is understood that the slum areas in Ponda have become an area of concern due to unhygienic conditions prevalent there. It is learnt that the situation in Dattagad area of Ponda is almost like an outbreak of the vector-borne disease. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infection that can lead to a severe flu-like illness. It is caused by four different viruses and spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Prevention is by getting rid of stagnant water and wearing clothing that covers much of the body. While it is necessary for the authorities to control the spread of the disease by fogging suspect areas, awareness of the disease and steps necessary to prevent getting infected are of utmost importance. People living in the slums may be unaware of the ways of not getting infected. Proper hygiene and preventing breeding of mosquitoes by avoiding accumulation of rainwater can go a long way in controlling spread of the infection.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
