Civic body gears up to fight dengue, malaria in Jammu

Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Dr Devansh Yadav, on Friday convened a joint high-level meeting of officials of MC, State Malariologist and Health Department to review the preparedness and strengthen the response mechanism to fight against dengue, chikungunya and malaria in the city.

With dengue cases rising across the state, the JMC has stepped up preventive measures to control the spread of vector-borne diseases in Jammu city. Official figures reveal that as many as 1,076 cases of dengue were reported till September 2024, while 346 cases of dengue have been reported till September this year within the jurisdiction of JMC.

Official spokesperson of JMC informed that extensive fogging and spraying operations are being carried out in all wards of JMC. “A detailed roster has been issued to ensure that each ward is systematically covered, with fixed schedules for fogging and spraying. This structured approach is aimed at preventing mosquito breeding and reducing the risk of disease transmission,” the spokesperson said.

During the meeting, the Commissioner directed all sanitation inspectors and field staff to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns in their respective wards. He stressed that public participation is the most crucial element in combating dengue. Citizens must be informed not only about preventive measures but also about how to actively stop mosquito breeding around their homes.

Yadav advised that along with maintaining cleanliness outside their homes, residents must also remain vigilant about common water-collection points inside their houses. Stagnant water in refrigerator trays, water bowls kept for feeding birds, excess water in flower pots, coolers and other containers often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The Commissioner urged that such places should be cleaned or emptied every third or fourth day to break the mosquito life cycle.

The Commissioner also highlighted the need for community ownership of cleanliness drives, stating that government efforts alone cannot succeed without the cooperation of citizens. He appealed to the public to support sanitation teams, follow instructions and ensure their surroundings are kept clean and dry.

Yadav directed that fogging and spraying operations must not be limited to public places alone but should also cover vulnerable residential pockets, schools, markets, hospitals and areas with reported dengue cases. Special instructions were issued to intensify sanitation in densely populated localities where the risk of mosquito breeding is higher.

The health experts present at the meeting shared insights about the disease pattern and stressed the importance of early detection and timely treatment. They advised residents to immediately seek medical consultation in case of fever or symptoms such as headache, muscle pain or skin rashes and avoid self-medication.