Studycentre

A study has shown that a period of drought, followed by intense rainfall for four to five months provides the optimum conditions for the outbreak of dengue. People are more likely to leave water containers outside their homes after a spell of drought. When a period of intense rainfall follows, these containers become the source for water to collect and a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

People tend to store water in containers during periods of drought. This provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. There is a need to shift emphasis toward more proactive disease prevention. Many parts of India face drought-like conditions and people store water in several containers to meet their needs. And when the first rains come after periods of bright sunshine and scorching summers, some people like to keep containers or vessels outside to collect the first rainwater. The mosquitoes, Aedes specifically, therefore have ample breeding sites. One must learn to keep only what is required. Some tips:

• A community approach means that 100 per cent of the society talks about dengue. Every premise must indicate that it is mosquito free.
• The idea of checking your house once a week needs a change. One needs to be alert every day. It should be a part of your routine. You don’t clean your premises once a week. Make it a habit to look for the breeding places.

Courtesy Heart Care Foundation of India