‘People reluctant to cooperate in drive against dengue’

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 12

Following detection of dengue larvae in and around residential areas, the casual approach of residents has become a cause of concern for the Health Department. Health officials said people were reluctant to cooperate and in some cases hostile.

Despite aggressive awareness by the Health Department, threat of dengue outbreak looms large.

The department said dengue could be reduced to a great extent if people play an active role. Recently, the health officials found larvae at places where warnings were issued earlier.

A health officer said, “Due to lack of seriousness, people not only risk their own lives but of others as well. We have already done our bit. Now, people should play a positive role.”

Patiala Member of Parliament (MP) Preneet Kaur has also appealed to the residents for community participation on the social media.

Fearing an outbreak, the Health Department had asked the citizens to clean their surroundings, especially, desert coolers after dengue larvae was found in large numbers.

District Epidemiologist said desert coolers and water containers should be cleaned regularly. Health officials said it was impossible to check every household without participation of community as larvae could breed anywhere even in fresh water.