Vizag on High Alert: 14 Hotspots Identified for Dengue and Malaria Outbreak

Visakhapatnam is bracing for the monsoon season with a proactive and critical public health initiative. Authorities have pinpointed 14 high-risk zones across the city and its newly merged peripheries, identifying them as potential breeding grounds for vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and filaria.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), in a crucial collaboration with the District Medical and Health Department (DM&HO), has sounded the alarm, setting the stage for intensified vector-control activities.

This strategic identification aims to prevent a potential surge in seasonal diseases that typically accompany the rains.

A major concern highlighted by officials is the pervasive issue of stagnant water. Open drains, construction sites with unmanaged water accumulation, discarded tyres, neglected coconut shells, and even uncovered overhead tanks are cited as prime locations for mosquitoes to breed.

These unhygienic conditions create a fertile environment for disease vectors, posing a significant threat to public health.

GVMC Commissioner C.M. Saikanth Varma has issued stern directives to officials, emphasizing a multi-pronged approach. The focus will be on aggressive source reduction – eliminating breeding sites – alongside extensive fogging operations and anti-larval treatments.

The goal is to systematically dismantle the conditions that allow these diseases to flourish.

Beyond physical interventions, a robust public awareness campaign is underway. Dr. K.S.R. Naidu, District Medical and Health Officer, underscored the vital role of community engagement. Dr. K. Sarala, Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) at GVMC, elaborated on the strategy, which includes door-to-door visits, distribution of informative pamphlets, and direct engagement with residents to educate them on preventive measures.

The success of this comprehensive plan hinges on public cooperation.

Authorities are particularly appealing to construction site owners to take immediate steps to prevent water stagnation, acknowledging their significant contribution to potential breeding grounds. Residents are also urged to participate actively by ensuring their surroundings are clean and free of stagnant water.

This collective effort is crucial for safeguarding the health of the entire community throughout the monsoon and post-monsoon periods.