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Steps to curb mosquito menace

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: The district health authorities have initiated steps for source reduction (mosquito control measures) in the wake of blood samples of 17 out of 21 cases from Irangallur in Olavanna grama panchayat testing positive for chikungunya infection. District Medical Officer V.K. Krishnankutty said chikungunya was caused by the same vector as dengue fever, through mosquitoes. The National Institute of Virology, Pune, had confirmed the presence of the virus after the blood samples were taken from the suspected patients two months back as part of the investigation process, following a fever outbreak. The symptoms were high fever, and joint pain.

Dr. Krishnankutty said the mosquitoes bred in fresh water, and the efforts in source reduction were being carried out with the assistance of the local bodies. He said a few cases were being treated at Medical College Hospital and Beach Hospital.

The treatment provided was symptomatic as there was no specific anti-viral drug for the disease, he said. Door-to-door awareness programmes were being conducted through health inspectors to educate the public on the need to destroy breeding places of mosquitoes, in the vicinity of households.

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