Mosquitomenace

According to officials, there is cause for concern as over 5,500 cases were recorded last year. The cases had started coming up in August and by October had reached alarming proportions. ‘‘By October 6 last year, we had 4,720 cases and 78 deaths,’’ said an official. Kerala registered 3,155 cases and 63 deaths. Karnataka was second in the list with 6 deaths and 816 cases. Delhi and Mumbai had also shown alarming occurrence of the disease.

According to officials, the increased numbers suggest the states have failed as far as sanitation and awareness are concerned. This despite the fact that the Health Ministry sent out dengue alerts to the states last year.

The NICD has distributed the investigative and surveillance guidelines to all the states. ‘‘The disease is known for years. We have even isolated the vector specific to southern states, mostly Kerala. The vector is Aedes Albopictus from Kerala,’’ said an official. In northern states, however, the dengue vector is Aedes Egypti. Even WHO had sent out an alert to member countries in South Asia.

Dengue spreads by Aedes Egypti or Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes or commonly called tiger mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite mostly during the day. A single mosquito can fly up to 400 metres and can infect even 100 people. It can remain infected for about a week. They can breed even in small water vessels. The eggs don’t die on dry surface and can start breeding once the surface is moist again. The symptoms are fever, bleeding from gums, rashes and pain around eyes. The treatment is supportive: paracetamol is considered best in the beginning. Aspirin has to be avoided as it can lead to further bleeding. Detection can be done through Elisa testing.