‘Health Dept to fine house owners if larvae found’

Summers are at its peak and it is the time when most of the disease spread, be it be water borne or mosquitoe borne. Both the Health Department and Municipal Corporation are making efforts to curb the spread of the diseases this season. Manav Mander  speaks to Dr Vipal Malhotra, Health Officer, Municipal Corporation,  about the efforts undertaken by the MC this season.  Here are excerpts from the interview:

What steps the MC is taking to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases? 

Stress is being laid on prevention rather than cure. We are educating people regarding the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue and how to prevent it. We are holding educative seminars and workshops at schools, colleges and also asking the gurudwara and mandir committees to help in this cause by making announcements every morning and evening regarding the spread of this disease and how to prevent it.  

What is the status of fogging in the city?

Fogging has already been started from the month of April. Areas are visited every third day and the area councillors are regularly in touch with us and keep informing us about the areas where there is urgent need for fogging. 

Are the city people also being penalised if larvae of mosquitoes are found?

Yes, health department conducts survey and whenever larvae are found, they pass the information to us and we fine those houses where larvae are found. On May 16, Dengue Day was observed and both health and the MC departments went together for checking and fines were issued on the spot.

Every year water-borne diseases spread. What is the main reason behind this? 

Water contamination is one of the main reasons behind the same, but the department is not to be blamed. Every year we see that people install the water pipes close to the sewage pipes in the septic tanks which lead to mixture of the water and hence water contamination. People also need to be aware of these facts and take necessary action. 

Is there any advice to the people for prevention of diseases during summers?

First of all, they should not allow stagnant water near their house and water coolers should be cleaned regularly. In addition to this, one should be really careful regarding eating out. Always watch for the surroundings where food is prepared. Street food should be avoided and cut-fruits should not be consumed at all during this season. Food vendors should make sure that they wear gloves and cap while preparing and serving food.