“Nearly 65 divisions within Chennai corporation have reported cases of mosquito-borne dengue since January 2012, with Kodambakkam being the worst affected zone,” said Dr P. Guhanantham, health officer, Chennai corporation, addressing a conference on dengue here on Friday.
Following a short video presentation on the epidemic, Dr Guhanantham said the prevalence of dengue is usually expected in densely-populated areas. The density of population in the city is 26,903 per square kilometre, which is higher than any other city in the state.
“Even as the total number of cases reported from January 2012 till date is 181, no death owing to dengue fever has been recorded in the city. Measures are being taken to prevent dengue from spreading in Chennai by carrying out fogging operation in all wards,” he said. He asked the public to remove tyres, coconut shells, plastic carry bags, broken bulbs and plastic items that can hold rainwater as they serve as breeding spaces for mosquitoes.
As part of the drive to eliminate breeding spaces for Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that causes dengue, the corporation has removed 55 tonnes of worn out tyres dumped at various places in the city. In addition, the health department has taken several initiatives to educate the public by conducting awareness camps and distributing pamphlets. Special fumigation is being carried out every week in all wards on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Mayor Saidai Duraisamy said, “Councillors must be aware of the effects of dengue. They should create awareness among the people in their wards about dengue. In addition, they should maintain a diary to keep track of the ongoing work in their wards.”