Notices served on over 8K residents after dengue larvae found in houses

The Health Department has served notices on over 8,000 people in Ambala district after dengue larvae were found in their houses during inspection.

In Ambala, 32 cases of dengue have been reported so far. However, the situation is better compared to last year as 397 cases were reported till the same corresponding period in 2023. As many as 551 cases were reported last year.

Officials in the Health Department said the district last year witnessed floods and the repeated rains due to which a large number of dengue cases were reported. Extensive drive is being carried out by the Health Department to control the dengue cases.

As per the information, 50 breeding checkers have been deployed in the district for inspection. Of the total, 10 breeding checkers have been deployed in Naraingarh only. In Ambala district, 8,052 notices have been served on the people in whose houses dengue larvae were found. Those who have been served notices have been directed to clear water within 48 hours of the notice being issued.

District epidemiologist, Dr Sunil Hari, said, “Last year the district witnessed 551 cases, while this year so far 32 cases have been reported. Though, there had been repeated rains this year too, the situation is under control and so far, no hotspots have been observed. The cases were reported from scattered locations. A close watch is being kept in the high-risk areas, including Naraingarh, Shahzadpur, Baldev Nagar, Manmohan Nagar, Tangri area, Nahan House, Kala Amb and other densely populated urban areas from where dengue cases are generally reported. People are being screened and educated about the measures to be taken to prevent the disease.”

“This year, rapid tests are available up to sub-centre level for malaria and degnue, and the ASHA workers are also incentivised for house to house visit to ensure a decline in dengue cases. Necessary steps are being taken to check the breeding of mosquitoes. Community participation is very important to stop dengue cases. People shouldn’t allow water to stagnate in their surroundings. They are being educated to keep checking their roofs, coolers, water tanks and empty pots and spill used oil on accumulated water”, he added.

The district epidemiologist said the private hospitals and practitioners have been asked to report every single case of dengue to the Health Department else action will be initiated against them. The senior medical officers have also been directed to keep a close watch in their respective areas and especially the locations where the cases are generally reported to control the spread of the disease.

551 cases in 2023

The district had recorded 552 and 582 cases, respectively in 2015 and 2016, and then a decline was witnessed over the next two years with the district witnessing 328 and 110 cases in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In 2019, 124 cases were reported, the cases dropped to 42 in 2020, but in 2021, the district reported 686 cases and it dropped to 384 in 2022, but in 2023 the district witnessed 551 dengue cases.