Dimapur, Aug. 20 (EMN): With the number of dengue cases escalate in Dimapur, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) has appealed to the public to observe one dry day in a week, by cleaning containers like flower pot bases, empty vessels, coolers, tyres, and buckets around the houses.
The joint director of NVBDCP, Dr. Talitemsula said with the early onset of Dengue in Dimapur as compared to the past years, the NVBDCP, which is an umbrella programme for prevention and control of all vector borne diseases has been tirelessly working in containing the disease by undertaking various entomological and awareness activities.
However, he mentioned that despite the best efforts to contain dengue, drawing on a recent study conducted by the entomological wing in various localities of Dimapur, it was found that the container index which refers to the number of dengue mosquito population in containers around the house like water reservoirs, empty vessels, flower pot bases, buckets, and tyres are still very high which confirmed that the public have failed in their part of preventing dengue.
The NVBDCP advised every household to keep water filled vessels and tanks tightly covered and to check around the compound every week. It also advised everyone to sleep under the mosquito net during day and night, especially the pregnant women and children and to consult doctor immediately in case of high fever.
“It may be mentioned that the aedes aegypti mosquito is a ‘synanthropic’ species – much like houseflies and cockroaches – that benefit from artificial habitats created where people live. Unless every household actively participates in controlling dengue breeding in and around their surroundings, combating dengue disease only through the endeavours of the programme alone is futile,” the NVBDCP stated.
