Ponda: In 2024, the state saw 566 dengue cases, of which 234 were detected between Jan and June, before the normal transmission season for vector-borne diseases had set in. To reduce the number this year, the officials of the health services are focussing on areas inhabited by migrants to contain the spread of dengue, as these populations were found to be most likely to have improper storage of water, leading to increased mosquito breeding.
Last year, the majority of cases were reported from Siolim, Aldona, Chimbel and Candolim in North Goa, while in South Goa, bigger case loads were seen in Margao and Cortalim.
Added measures have been warranted as a spike in dengue cases was seen even before the transmission period of Jan to June in 2024. It was also mainly seen in the areas that had higher concentrations of migrant population.
“Dengue transmissions before the transmission period pointed at improper water storage practices especially among migrant labourers. We are going to those areas to create awareness,” said Dr Kalpana Mahatme, health officer in charge of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.
Migrant workers, the official said, do not clean vessels used for storing water. Utensils are left uncovered, creating a fertile space for breeding of dengue mosquitoes.
Labourers returning after visiting their native states report to be unwell here. They either test positive for dengue or malaria, Mahatme said.
“When the monsoon recedes, mosquito breeding is accelerated due to water stagnation. Due to the recession of the monsoon in Aug, rainwater remains stagnant at most places, leading to the breeding of mosquitoes,” Mahatme said.
The emphasis has also been on source reduction drives, field inspections and asking people to keep their surroundings clean, she added. People should also change water, if they have flowerpots, as well as that of aquariums, at least once a week. Empty receptacles that collect water from air conditioners.
“We take all possible precautionary measures and want citizens to help to stop disease spread,” Mahatme further said.
How can individuals living in goa contribute to preventing the spread of dengue?
Table of Contents
- 1. How can individuals living in goa contribute to preventing the spread of dengue?
- 2. Expert Insight: Combating Dengue in Goa – An Interview with Dr. Kalpana Mahatme
- 3. Dr. Mahatme, can you tell us about the recent dengue surge in Goa, especially the early cases in 2024?
- 4. What are the specific practices that led to increased mosquito breeding?
- 5. How does the seasonality of dengue transmission in Goa influence its spread?
- 6. What are the key measures being taken by the health services to combat this issue?
- 7. What role can the local community play in preventing dengue outbreaks?
Expert Insight: Combating Dengue in Goa – An Interview with Dr. Kalpana Mahatme
Archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kalpana mahatme, Health Officer in charge of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program. We appreciate your efforts in containing dengue in Goa.
Dr. Mahatme, can you tell us about the recent dengue surge in Goa, especially the early cases in 2024?
Dr. Mahatme: certainly. We saw an unusual spike in dengue cases this year, with 234 cases reported between January and June, which is typically before the normal transmission season. This prompted us to investigate the cause, and we found that improper water storage practices, especially among migrant laborers, were a significant contributing factor.
What are the specific practices that led to increased mosquito breeding?
Dr. Mahatme: Migrant workers often leave water storage containers uncovered, and they don’t clean them regularly. This creates ideal breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Also,many workers return from their home states unwell,sometimes testing positive for dengue or malaria.
How does the seasonality of dengue transmission in Goa influence its spread?
Dr. mahatme: The monsoon season in Goa can accelerate mosquito breeding due to water stagnation. As the monsoon recedes in August, rainwater remains stagnant in many places, leading to increased mosquito breeding. This is why we see a spike in cases during and after the monsoon season.
What are the key measures being taken by the health services to combat this issue?
Dr.Mahatme: we’re focusing on source reduction drives,field inspections,and awareness campaigns,especially in areas with high migrant populations. We’re urging citizens to keep their surroundings clean and follow proper water storage practices. Changing water in flowerpots, aquariums, and emptying receptacles that collect water from air conditioners can considerably reduce breeding sites.
What role can the local community play in preventing dengue outbreaks?
Dr. Mahatme: The community plays a crucial role. By following simple steps like covering water storage containers,cleaning them regularly,and removing any unneeded water collections,they can help prevent mosquito breeding. Awareness and community cooperation are vital in our fight against dengue.
Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Mahatme, for your insights and commitment to protecting public health in Goa.
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