Drones spray anti-mosquito medicine in waterlogged areas

Delhi is experiencing a worrying rise in dengue cases, with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reporting 3,082 cases as of October 19 — the highest in five years, excluding last year’s total of 4,404. Alongside this increase, three dengue-related deaths have been recorded.

Dr Atul Gogia, senior consultant in medicine and head of infectious diseases at Sir Gangaram Hospital, addressed the situation, noting, “While dengue is present, the numbers are less compared to earlier years in the hospital. Common symptoms include high-grade fever, severe body ache, headache, and nausea.” He highlighted that rising pollution levels were contributing to widespread illness, even among those without dengue.

Dr Gogia explained that weather conditions played a significant role in the spread of dengue, stating, “Waterlogging and conducive temperatures allow for mosquito breeding, which is ideal for the virus to be active.” However, he expressed optimism that the disease might decline as temperatures drop, remarking, “In the coming months, dengue should decrease as colder weather reduces mosquito breeding and waterlogging.”

In response to the dengue outbreak, Mayor Shelly Oberoi recently inaugurated a drone-based initiative for spraying anti-mosquito medicine in waterlogged areas, starting in Ward No. 33, Ranikhera, under the Narela zone.

The Mayor emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue, stating, “Due to record-breaking rains this year, many areas faced waterlogging, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases.” She added that eliminating waterlogging was crucial for preventing these diseases.

Oberoi highlighted the ongoing efforts to raise awareness, saying, “In the last two-three months, we’ve been running awareness programmes at various levels, including educating children in schools and holding meetings with resident welfare associations (RWAs).”

She underscored the importance of community involvement in tackling the rising threat of vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya.