Sudden spurt in the number of dengue patients in last few days could be attributed to suspension of the anti mosquito campaign by the district health authorities last month. The Pioneer in its issue of August 26 had warned that suspension of anti dengue activities could prove costly and result in eruption in the disease in later part of the season.
The anti mosquito campaign of the health department has been hampered by the strike of Asha workers who are the ground workers of the department.
In early part of the Dengue season, the district health authorities were relieved as very few cases of dengue were reported as compared to last year. The less number of cases of dengue in early part of the season was due extensive anti mosquito campaign in the city following the outburst of the dengue last year.
The health department had reported as many as 1,434 cases of Dengue last year after collecting samples of 41,325 suspected patients.
Following the outburst of the disease and public outrage on half-hearted measures adopted by the district health department to control the dreaded disease, the State administration machinery rebuked by then State Chief Minister Harish Rawat had swung into action. The Government supplied large number of fogging and hand held spray machines to Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD).
A massive door to door campaign was launched jointly by MCD, district administration and health department. The social organisations and students also undertook awareness drive in different parts of the city.
The outcome of these efforts was positive as no case of dengue was reported in the months of May and June this year. Similarly, only four cases of the disease were reported in July. During August, a total of 31 patients of the disease were reported.
Incidentally, the strike by the Asha workers started in August month and with it the anti mosquito activity of the department had came to a grinding halt.
The hampering of work is clearly visible in the department data which show that 58 patients have been found affected by the disease till date in September month. The Asha workers are agitated as they are yet to be paid the full honorarium for anti dengue campaign of last year.
These health workers conduct periodic surveys of the affected and susceptible areas; details of people who had fever recently or are currently under its influence are sought. The breeding grounds of mosquitoes are identified and destroyed.
Extensive Source Reduction (SR) activities for destruction of larvae of mosquito and environment management works are also part of this exercise.
The health workers also meet people and educate them on how ensure that mosquito do not find a place to breed and other preventive measures under Information.
When contacted the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Dehradun, Dr TC Pandey accepted that the strike by the Asha workers could result in increase in the number of people affected by dengue in later part of the season. He however added that the department is taking all necessary measures to combat the disease.