Times of India
12 November 2010
Jaipur, India

After a long dry spell, malaria figures in the early half of 2010 were quite low. However, with the bumper monsoon season the number in mosquito–related diseases had gone up. But with chilly conditions prevailing and the winter ahead, health department officials expect the mosquito born menace to decrease. The chill will slow down the breeding cycle of the mosquito.

"Dengue and malaria cases registered this year have been equivalent to those recorded last year, however the cases will considerably come down in November," said the additional director of health department Dr B R Meena.

Against the health department claims, the official figures of dengue cases recorded this year has crossed the 1,000 mark in the previous year there were around 750 cases recorded in the state till November.

There had been around 28,000 cases of Malaria reported this year against nearly 30,000 cases reported last year in the same duration.

Health department officials sight the good rains for the sudden rise in the winged menace. "Malaria was under control and less than 5,000 cases were recorded in first half of 2010, the extension of malaria patient treatment duration has also helped to bring the numbers in control however after the rains the disease has once again surfaced" said a senior doctor.

Chikungunya has also been another matter of concern. Official record mentions nearly 50 cases of chikungunya and people with similar symptoms are pouring in to hospitals everyday.

Many viral fever cases with similar symptoms are being reported. The health officials said the recent rain instead would stall the breeding process.

As the humidity increases and temperature drops, cases of other respiratory related diseases such common influenza, pneumonia, cough and asthma related diseases are also expected to rise further.

Meanwhile, as chikungunya and dengue are more prevalent in the urban areas the Jaipur Municipal Corporation has decided to operate the fogging machines in several areas of the city. On Wednesday fogging was held in ward numbers 61 and 62. On Saturday, fogging will be held near the Jawahar Nagar bypass area, fogging machines will operate in Civil lines, Madrampura and Bhatta Basti on November 16.

The civic authorities will on November 18 tour ward numbers 63 and 64. On November 20, fogging operations will be held in Hasanpura area.


Precautions
Avoid undue exposure to wind and rain showers Take easily digestible and light food, avoid eating outside Take proper diet and rest

Those already suffering from respiratory diseases must avoid interaction with others As the weather remains unpredictable, one should wear warm clothes and also take precautions from mosquitoes
Special attention must be taken of children and as far as possible avoid travelling on two wheelers