Bid to rid city of mosquitoes as dengue, malaria sting

Lucknow: With increasing number of dengue and malaria fever cases, health department is set to issue an advisory to schools recommending students wear full-sleeve clothing. This measure aims to protect students from mosquito bites, the primary method of disease transmission.Chief medical officer Dr Manoj Agrawal said dengue was a significant public health issue, especially during the season of increased mosquito breeding. "The advisory will ensure students wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and use mosquito repellent to lower risk of infection," he said.Public awareness efforts will be intensified, advising residents to eliminate stagnant water, cover water-filled containers, clean cooler water weekly, wear long-sleeve clothing, use mosquito repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.Meanwhile, 28 new cases of dengue and 8 cases of malaria have been reported in various areas. Four cases were reported from areas under Aliganj community health centre; Chandernagar, 5; Indiranagar, 3; Silver Jubilee, 3; Gosaiganj, 1; Sarojininagar, 3; Tudiyaganj, 2; NK Road, 2; Itaunja, 1; Red Cross, 2; and Aishbagh, 2. Malaria cases have been reported in Aliganj, Chandernagar, BKT, Malihabad, and Aishbagh. Since Jan, city has recorded 363 dengue cases and 401 malaria cases.The department surveyed about 2,184 houses and 10,382 containers in the affected areas. Notices were issued to 19 households found to have mosquito-breeding conditions. Teams from city malaria unit and district malaria office inspected buildings and sprayed larvicidal chemicals to control breeding.Additionally, joint teams from health department and LMC launched a mosquito-control campaign in areas such as Hathi Khana Primary School, Brain Convent School, Chuiya Purwa Chauraha, Vinamra Khand in Gomtinagar, Bhola Kheda police station, Manas Hospital and Sugamau Tiraha.