Mosquitoes thrive in areas with standing water, including rainwater puddles, open tanks and old tires. Therefore, the monsoon season provides an ample opportunity for the mosquitoes to breed into millions within a very short time. Therefore, back in May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had warned, "with the onset of monsoon, there will be a proliferation of many non-COVID-19 diseases, for which we must prepare and strengthen our medical and health systems".

Experts warn of spike in cases in Monsoon

As the pre-monsoon season (March to May) is crucial in prevention campaigns in India, the lockdown restrictions have caused several disruptions in the essential mosquito eradication programmes. Therefore, experts have been warning that enough measures should be taken to stop the spread of vector-borne diseases.

The experts say that the peak season for malaria starts from May, and a spike in cases can be seen after the monsoon sets in, particularly in July and August. Dr Pankaj Solanki, a member of Delhi Medical Council, said that the outbreak of Malaria and Dengue is around the corner. "The authorities are busy in dealing with the COVID-19. As it is the season of vector-borne diseases, much focus is stressed upon it," Dr Solanki said while adding that the situation could worsen if COVID-19 gets mixed with the outbreak of vector-borne diseases.

"The drop in blood platelets will be fatal for the patients already suffering from the COVID-19 infection," Dr Solanki further added. Moreover, fever being the common symptom in most cases, distinguishing between COVID-19 and vector-borne diseases has become a challenge for both health-care professionals and patients. As the hospitals in most cities face a severe shortage of resources at this hour, an outbreak of a vector-borne disease can be disastrous.

Situation under control, say authorities

The city officials, however, are optimistic and believe that the situation is under control since the count is 30 per cent less than the previous year. In 2019, the city had recorded 107 cases of Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya in the same period.

"Domestic breeding checking, fogging, anti-larval spray, and sanitization of wet spots are being done to check mosquitoes' breeding. Besides, we are also doing awareness programs to sensitize the residents," she said. Singhal also said that the MCDs are carrying inspection drives and penalizing the persons or the establishments where breeding spots for mosquitoes are found. As per the data, the corporations have served 11,942 legal notices and launched 106 prosecutions against the violators.

The officials told that the corporations had roped traders' associations and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to spot and cover the uncovered drains. An official from South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said that the corporation has started an awareness campaign and prepared an audio-visual clip to be shared with all RWAs.

The RWAs have contradicted the claims by the MCD officials. B.S. Vohra, president of East Delhi RWA joint front who lives in Krishna Nagar, fared that only 25 per cent of the work is done against the claims touted by the MCD officials. "Very less has happened on the ground. Many drains in East Delhi localities are yet to be desilted. Due to the accumulation of silt, colonies are being waterlogged within minutes of the downpour. If not addressed readily, It could wash away all the efforts put in to fight against Dengue and Malaria," he said.

(with inputs from IANS)

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