The health department of Dehradun is now planning to unleash bacteria on larvae of mosquitoes responsible for spreading diseases like Malaria and Dengue. The department has purchased bacteria, Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) responsible for biological control of these diseases. This bacterium was first detected in Israel since then it has proven itself and now is universally accepted as an effective method of larvae control.
In order to prepare potent anti larva combination, the BIT spores are mixed with fly ash and a powder is prepared. This powder slowly dissolves in water while the fly ash acts as carrier.
The district vector borne diseases officer, J P Bahuguna accepted that the department would be using the bacteria for control of mosquito borne diseases for the first time. He said that these bacteria after entering the body of mosquito larvae produce an anti toxin which dissolves the gut cells. The larvae get paralyzed by the attack of bacteria.
Bahuguna explained that the BIT is effective as it controls the population of mosquito without causing any damage to the environment. In chemical control methods the useful microbes are also destroyed.
The department plans to use BIT for control of both Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes. Aedes is carrier of dengue and its larvae are usually found in places where water gets collected. Water stagnating in coolers and small receptacles are enough for this mosquito to breed. Anopheles mosquito is vector of malaria and small and large water bodies are its potent breeding grounds.
The department is also using Pyre- Proxyfen granules which is also a potent chemical used to destroy mosquitoes. The health department workers are conducting a survey where these granules and BIT would be used extensively. The district health department’s anxiety is understandable as a dengue outbreak occurred in the district last year. As many as 1434 cases of the disease were reported by the department after collecting samples of 41325 suspected patients. large numbers of patients were reported from lakhibagh area of the city; the then Chief Minister and health minister had to intervene to launch a massive anti dengue drive in the city which involved many departments.
The officials of health department also reported 192 cases of malaria last year from Dehradun. It is pertinent to mention here that Uttarakhand has taken a pledge to eradicate malaria by the year 2020 and BIT can be a potent weapon if its use is successful in provisional State capital.