Gwalior-Chambal Division is once again in the grip of the deadly dengue, the mosquito-borne viral fever that causes high fever, muscle and joint pain, and even death. With monsoon at its peak the dengue cases are rising alarmingly.

Out of 30 suspicious samples tested at the Microbiology department of the Gaja Raja Medical College yesterday, 18 were found positive for dengue. Of the 18, 14 are from Shivpuri while 4 belong to Gwalior.

The Corporation authorities have been claiming all along that regular campaigns to spread awareness among the masses about Dengue and its preventive measures are being carried out, but the ground reality is that most of these campaigns are only on paper.  It is clear that the authorities failed to address the dengue situation as the fatal disease is one again spreading fast.

To make matters worse it appears that neither the corporation authorities nor the government hospitals in the division are equipped to tackle this fatal disease.

With the fear of the dengue epidemic back, the corporation has launched a few preventive measures. RK Shrivastava, the Additional Municipal Commissioner had a meeting with Dr Mudul Saxena, the Chief Medical and Health Officer at Bal Bhavan on Wednesday to take stock of the situation. Dr Saxena informed the Addl MC that so far 12 people belonging to Gwalior city have been diagnosed with dengue.

The afflicted people are from DD Nagar, Naka Chandravani, Scindia Nagar and some other parts of the city.

Speaking to the media, the Addl Commissioner said that three teams have been formed in the three assembly segments of the city to address the situation. He added that these teams will be in charge of the fogging and larvae control activities. The teams are also expected to organize mass cleaning drives, awareness programs and mosquito eradication activities.  He also said that there is no outbreak as of now and that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

One thing the corporation authorities seem to have notrealized is the change in the pattern of this deadly disease. Earlier the dengue cases were reported only during rainy season, but now the cases are throughout the year. The corporation authorities have erred in stopping preventive measures once the rainy season is over. Precious lives can be saved if the preventive measures, like the eradication of the mosquitoes are an ongoing and enduring process.