| Threat of Dengue, Malaria looms; fogging intensified | |    |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 16: While the cleanliness and sanitation drive post-floods is in full swing, fogging has also been intensified in all municipal and non-municipal areas as threat of dengue and malaria loom in the affected areas of Jammu.
The Jammu Municipal Corporation and State Malarialogist Office of Jammu Health Department have jointly initiated the exercise of fogging and spraying in the flood-affected areas to control the rise in the water-borne and vector-borne diseases.
Dhruv Ji Raina, Malariologist, Jammu Health department said, “Compared to the last year, dengue cases in Jammu are fewer, but to prevent its rise, several measures are being taken by various departments.”
Sharing details, the officer said that up to September 14 this year, 437 cumulative cases were reported from across the Jammu and Kashmir with highest 147 in Jammu district.
In 2024, he said that the cases up to this period were 677 and Jammu remained the hotspot with highest 377 cases.
“We are making efforts along with the JMC to ascertain the cause of dengue and other water-borne and vector-borne diseases and also following all the guidelines and measures to prevent its spread particularly in the flood-affected areas,” said Dr Raina.
Sharing the district-wise break-up up to September 14 this year, he said that Jammu reported highest 147 cases followed by 130 in Kathua, 51 in Samba, 47 in Udhampur, 27 in Rajouri, nine in Reasi, eight each in Ramban and Kashmir, six in Doda and lowest four in Poonch.
He stated that community participation and awareness were also mandatory to prevent the spread of the disease in the flood-hit areas by controlling the water stagnation, by avoiding dumping of plastic items, and by cleaning water containers.
Dr Raina further said that the JMC and the Health Department have also issued a schedule for fogging and spraying.
This year, dengue has claimed the life of an adult male from Rehari locality of Jammu, who succumbed on June 29 while being shifted from a private hospital to the neighbouring state.
More than 9,000 dengue tests have been carried out across Jammu and Kashmir this year and in the same period in 2024, 539 cases had been confirmed out of 8,500 tests done. The Malarialogist further added that the Health Department and the Jammu Municipal Corporation have launched an aggressive fogging in the city area, adding, “two rounds have been completed, the first in June-July and the second between September 2 and 12.”
The third round, he said, has started from September 13 and will cover both residential and commercial belts.
Amid post-flood challenges, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Jammu Dr Devansh Yadav has appealed to the people of Jammu to remain cautious and adopt preventive measures as several areas continue to recover from the aftermath of recent floods.
He emphasized that flood-hit regions are highly vulnerable to outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, and immediate action is necessary to protect public health.
“The ongoing season poses an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases including dengue and chikungunya, which are more likely to spread in areas with accumulated stagnant water,” he said, instructing all residents to ensure the safety of their drinking water.
Residents are also urged to maintain their surroundings by removing stagnant water from rooftops, courtyards and nearby drains as such areas provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, he added.
He said to facilitate public health services and immediate assistance, the Health Department has activated the 104 helpline number that will provide guidance and address any health-related queries from residents.
He said the Jammu Municipal Corporation has intensified its efforts to conduct fogging and spraying activities across all civic wards to control mosquito breeding and minimize the risk of vector-borne diseases. | | |
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