HC asks CMC to curb vector-borne diseases

Cuttack: Taking cognisance of media reports on the rise in dengue cases in Cuttack, the Orissa high court has directed Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to take effective steps to check the spread of vector-borne diseases.
The HC further directed CMC on Thursday to apprise it about the preventive steps taken by the civic body with regard to the breeding of larvae of Aedes mosquito, which carry the dengue virus, when the matter is taken up for next hearing on Sept 19.
It was pointed out to the special bench, hearing about civic problems in Cuttack, that the CMC has not prepared a comprehensive plan to ensure dengue did not spread again this season even though cases were reported from different parts of the city in the past few years. Last year, 667 dengue cases were reported in the CMC area.
Taking note of it, the two-judge bench of Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh said: “It is reported in print media recently that more than a dozen dengue cases have been reported in Cuttack city in the past few weeks. The CMC authorities shall do the needful in sending the health workers to visit door-to-door to spread awareness for the next three months.”
“Samples shall be collected on a regular basis from the affected areas and to be sent to the laboratory for testing. It is needless to state that immediate treatment shall be provided, if anyone is found to be affected with dengue or malaria,” the bench said.
The incidence of dengue cases was attributed to poor hygiene and sanitation, accumulation of rainwater and lack of fogging activities.
“It is stated that wild vegetation which has covered most of the open spaces and waterlogging in different areas of the city is also a factor for the surge in dengue cases. The same needs to be addressed on an urgent basis and bush cutting, fogging (insect control) and cleanliness activities are to be intensified,” the bench added.