Disease control: Uncovered water tanks leading to dengue: DPCP
These open water tanks are major breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes
PHOTO: MYRA IQBAL
KARACHI:
Around 70% of overhead water storage tanks in different areas of the city lack covers, creating a breeding ground for dengue carrying mosquitoes, according to a survey by the provincial Dengue Prevention and Control Programme (DPCP).
Sharing the results of a recent survey, DPCP's head, Dr Masood Solangi, said that most dengue cases surface in congested areas of the city where residents live in apartments. He said that in such areas people do not take extra measures to store water. "Water tanks remain open and residents hardly cover them," he added.
"These open water tanks are major breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes," said Dr Solangi, adding that citizens have to cover their water tanks for their own safety.
Sharing another finding, Dr Solangi said that most cases have been reported from two districts -East and South. "The fewest cases are reported from district Malir," he added. He said that the major reason behind the emergence of dengue cases from these two areas is that the sanitation situation is very poor in these areas.
The DPCP head said that people living in densely populated areas need to take the most precautions.
The residents must cover water tanks and avoid dumping garbage everywhere, he advised. "The government alone can't fix everything," he maintained.
According to DPCP's weekly dengue report, a total of 17 cases of dengue fever have been reported in the port city. Seven cases were reported from district East, five from district South, three from district West and one each from districts Malir and Korangi. No case was reported from district Central.
One case was also reported from district Tando Muhammad Khan, according to the report.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 5th, 2016.
Around 70% of overhead water storage tanks in different areas of the city lack covers, creating a breeding ground for dengue carrying mosquitoes, according to a survey by the provincial Dengue Prevention and Control Programme (DPCP).
Sharing the results of a recent survey, DPCP's head, Dr Masood Solangi, said that most dengue cases surface in congested areas of the city where residents live in apartments. He said that in such areas people do not take extra measures to store water. "Water tanks remain open and residents hardly cover them," he added.
"These open water tanks are major breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes," said Dr Solangi, adding that citizens have to cover their water tanks for their own safety.
Sharing another finding, Dr Solangi said that most cases have been reported from two districts -East and South. "The fewest cases are reported from district Malir," he added. He said that the major reason behind the emergence of dengue cases from these two areas is that the sanitation situation is very poor in these areas.
The DPCP head said that people living in densely populated areas need to take the most precautions.
The residents must cover water tanks and avoid dumping garbage everywhere, he advised. "The government alone can't fix everything," he maintained.
According to DPCP's weekly dengue report, a total of 17 cases of dengue fever have been reported in the port city. Seven cases were reported from district East, five from district South, three from district West and one each from districts Malir and Korangi. No case was reported from district Central.
One case was also reported from district Tando Muhammad Khan, according to the report.
At least 20 cases have been reported from different areas of the city since January and the DPCP officials said each year a similar number of cases are reported in this time period.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 5th, 2016.