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Written By: Somita Pal | Updated : September 12, 2013 10:42 AM IST
A survey conducted by Haffkine Research Institute in Parel showed that many people are ignorant about dengue and its causes.
The institute conducted a survey among 500 Mumbaikars on dengue awareness last month. It found that at least 40 per cent of these youth (aged 22-25) didn t know that dengue mosquitoes breed in clean water. (Also read: Mumbai Dengue Update: 3rd death in a month)
Dr Sweta Kothari, senior scientific officer, virology department of Haffkine institute, said, 'We wanted to understand why the dengue cases are on the rise and conducted a survey last month among city youth. At least 40 % youth were not aware.'
She added that to control dengue, more awareness needs to be spread. Dr Abhay Chaudhary, director of Haffkine institute said, 'It is very important for people to know that dengue spreading mosquitoes breed in fresh/clean still water. It is therefore necessary to check on ornamental plants kept at home/ offices as they are possible breeding spots.'
According to experts, while others, like the female Anopheles mosquito which spreads malaria, like to breed in the dirty water of puddles and open drains, the Aedes mosquito breeds only in clear water.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in its recent survey found that 50 per cent dengue cases are from non-slum areas. This lead to BMC s health department hold regular awareness programmes at residential complexes. The institute feels that this year dengue cases were more virulent in nature and only way to control the disease is through awareness.
Dr Mangala Gomare, head of the epidemiology department in the BMC, said the civic body has started a massive campaign to spread awareness about the disease. (Also read: Prevent dengue with these 10 practical tips)
Source: DNA
