Good news for Hyderabad! The city reported 496 dengue casesĀ in September 2024, a significant drop compared to 920 casesĀ in the same month last year and 1,222 casesĀ in 2022. According to Dr. J. Venkat, Hyderabadās District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), this decrease is attributed to proactive measures taken by the Health Department, including fogging, spraying, and mosquito density trackingĀ in high-risk areas like Secunderabad, Musheerabad, and Malakpet. These efforts have successfully curbed the spread of dengue this year.
Peak Season Declines š§ļø
The city typically sees a spike in dengue cases during monsoon, with rains creating the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However, this year, the government was prepared and launched preemptive actions to reduce mosquito density in vulnerable zones. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), alongside health officials, conducted extensive anti-larva campaignsĀ in high-risk areas, which played a significant role in reducing the number of cases.
Targeted Efforts š ļø
Areas such as Secunderabad, Amberpet, and MalakpetĀ saw the highest mosquito activity due to factors like open spaces, stagnant water, and construction sites. Health authorities used mosquito-tracking technologyĀ to identify these hotspots, allowing for targeted fogging and anti-larval measures. This preemptive action, combined with public awareness campaigns about keeping surroundings clean and preventing water stagnation, helped in bringing the numbers down.
What Health Experts Say š©ŗ
Officials, including Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP) Commissioner Dr. J. Ajaya Kumar, emphasized the importance of staying vigilant. In his review, he mentioned that 10-15%Ā of the daily outpatient cases in Hyderabad's hospitals were fever-related, with dengue patientsĀ making up a small portion of these cases, none of which were severe. The consistent efforts by the Health Department have ensured that most cases are being managed before they become critical.
A Word of Caution ā ļø
While the reduction in cases is a positive sign, health experts warn that vigilance is still needed, especially in high-density areas. The monsoon season is not over, and mosquito-borne diseases like dengue thrive in the wet climate. Residents are advised to continue taking precautions like avoiding stagnant water and using mosquito repellents.
Conclusion šŖ
Hyderabad's fight against dengue is paying off, with fewer cases being reported than in previous years. The efforts of the Health DepartmentĀ and GHMCĀ have been instrumental in controlling the spread of the disease. However, the public must continue to stay cautious as the season for vector-borne diseases isn't over yet.
With proactive efforts, 2024 could mark a year of significant improvement in public health in Hyderabad. š¦øāāļø
