Bhopal reports over 200 dengue cases in July-August

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the incidence of dengue and chikungunya has surged over the past two months, with more than 200 dengue cases and 35 chikungunya cases reported. The local health authorities, including the Malaria department and Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), have ramped up efforts to combat the spread of these diseases through extensive door-to-door surveys aimed at identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Civil surgeon Dr. Rakesh Shrivastava confirmed that the months of July and August saw a notable increase in these vector-borne diseases, with 15 new dengue cases reported on a single day. To address the rising cases, BMC teams have been actively inspecting homes in various wards, including 26, 27, 38, 56, 57, 60, 61, for the presence of dengue larvae. Their efforts include spraying insecticides and conducting fogging operations in several neighborhoods such as Nehru Nagar and Vardhman Green Colony. Additionally, Gambusia fish have been introduced into stagnant water bodies to help control mosquito populations. The BMC has also taken punitive measures against property owners found to be harboring mosquito breeding sites, imposing fines for non-compliance. In one instance, a fine of Rs 500 was levied on homeowners in Siwania Gaud, while the park management committee in Vardhman Green City Colony faced a Rs 1000 fine for failing to maintain their sump tank. These proactive measures reflect the urgency of the situation as health officials strive to mitigate the impact of dengue and chikungunya in the city, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in preventing further outbreaks.