Puneites face dengue-chikungunya menace
Pune: Odd weather conditions are adversely affecting citizens’ health as it has been raining continuously. Sky remains overcast. It is hot and humid in the afternoon and temperatures drop at night. Water has accumulated in potholes and at other places around houses. It is a perfect breeding place for mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which cause dengue, chikungunya and zika.
Puneites are fed up with the spread of these diseases caused by mosquito bites. Besides infectious diseases, viral diseases are also spreading fast in the city. Doctors have advised caution. The number of patients is swelling in the city.
Over 107 dengue patients have been reported in Pune till date. People are not giving their blood samples for a check in laboratories to find out the exact reasons behind illnesses. Sometimes, they get cured within a couple of days. If they are checked later, it becomes difficult to find out the reason as the viral load is lessened, said the doctors. Experts doubted whether an exact number of patients would be revealed in the city under such circumstances.
Doctors said that there is no independent vaccine against chikungunya. Hence, emphasis should be on preventive measures.
Breeding grounds for mosquitoes
Aedes aegypti larvae multiply in utensils, in which water is stored, in half-broken coconut shells, old tyres and ponds. Since they breed around houses and housing societies, dengue, chikungunya and zika have been spreading rapidly. In spite of this, fumigation is not done frequently in many areas, complained citizens. They demanded preventive measures to be taken by the civic body.
Children and elderly get affected most
The most vulnerable sections of the population are children below five years and senior citizens. Experts have observed that the health of these sections has been affected badly. They are suffering from symptoms such as dysentery, swelling of the liver, fever of the brain, etc. People with high BP and diabetes show severe symptoms. Doctors advised to take special care of children and elderly people.
Symptoms of viral infections
Fever, body ache, rashes on the skin, a decrease in white cell count in the blood. These are symptoms of dengue and chikungunya. However, test results are reported negative. This confuses citizens. A number of such patients are not registered. Hence, the actual number of patients could be very high, said doctors.
Other symptoms
Shivering, knee pain, acute joint pain, joint movement is painful, headache, muscle pain, rashes on the skin and nausea.
Affected areas in the city
Viral infections are on the rise in Aundh Road, Bopodi, Aundh Gaon, Anand Nagar, Chavan Vasti, Kamble Vasti, Vishrantwadi, Patil Estate, Parvati, Ganesh Mala, etc. Hence, all clinics and hospitals in these areas are packed with patients.
Steps taken by the civic body
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is taking preventive measures to check the spread of dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses.
The PMC has deployed 206 staffers to find out mosquito breeding places and spread insecticides. As many as 15 medical officers and 15 malaria inspectors have been appointed. The PMC has issued notices to 780 citizens and establishments, through which over Rs 6 lakh fines have been recovered.
Preventive measures for citizens
*Do not allow water to be accumulated in flower pots, plant pots in terrace gardens
*Water gathered in refrigerators and AC machines should be cleaned
*Utensils used for storing water should be cleaned regularly
*Do not dig ditches around houses. Fix nets around windows
*Use mosquito repellents
*Do not allow water to be accumulated on housing society premises
*Use long-sleeve clothes
Intake of proper food and water is necessary to boost immunity. One must keep yourself hydrated. Tender coconut water should be consumed 2-3 times during the day. Use green, leafy vegetables in your diet and consume various soups. Papaya leaf juice helps increase white blood cells. Light food should be eaten preferably.
A citizen said, “Cleanliness is not maintained by the civic body. Garbage is thrown in open at various places across the city. Infections are very high in Mangalwar Peth. The PMC should take measures immediately. Fumigation is done and insecticides are spread only around the houses of patients.”
A city-based doctor said, “Chikungunya has spread very fast this year. Its symptoms persist for 3-4 weeks. Pregnant women should take care as its infection may adversely affect the baby. The severity of the disease increases if senior citizens already have diabetes, BP, cardiovascular diseases.”
Assistant Medical Officer Dr Suryakant Devkar said, “Tests are regularly conducted in affected areas by the Health Department. As many as 206 employees are deployed to find out mosquito-breeding places and spread insecticides. Preventive measures are being taken. Citizens should not panic and should take care.”
Infectious diseases
*Dengue patients: 107
*Zika patients: 94
*Chikungunya patients: 68
*Citizens, establishments issued notices: 1,780
