Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has reported a significant decrease in dengue cases in the city compared to the previous year. Data released by the GHMC on Friday reveals that the number of dengue cases recorded on July 26, 2024, was 626, a decline from the 786 cases reported on the same day in 2023.
The GHMC attributes this reduction to a series of proactive measures implemented across the city. These initiatives include comprehensive anti-larval and anti-adult mosquito control measures, which have been executed in 4,846 colonies. Additionally, extensive information, education, and communication (IEC) activities have been conducted in 2,312 colonies to raise awareness about dengue prevention. Furthermore, the GHMC has undertaken a broad range of awareness programmes, reaching out to 3,254 schools and 354 colleges. These programmes aim to educate students and staff about the importance of maintaining clean environments to prevent mosquito breeding.
Special entomological activities have also been intensified in specific locations, including hostels, educational institutions, and various public and private spaces. The GHMC has targeted 273 hostels, 9,680 locked houses, 767 function halls, 6,157 low-lying areas, open plots, 4,634 cellars, and 6,370 construction sites. These efforts are designed to identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds. In addition to these measures, the GHMC has employed biological control methods by releasing Gambusia fish in all baby ponds. These fish are known to feed on mosquito larvae, thus helping to control the mosquito population. Chemical control measures have also been implemented, with pyrethrum spraying and indoor residual spraying carried out in 3,254 schools.
The GHMC’s multifaceted approach to dengue prevention demonstrates a concerted effort to protect public health and reduce the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases in Hyderabad. By combining public education, biological control, and chemical interventions, the corporation aims to sustain this downward trend in dengue cases. These comprehensive measures have proven effective in mitigating the spread of dengue, reflecting the GHMC’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Hyderabad’s residents. Continuous monitoring and proactive interventions are essential to maintaining this progress and ensuring the city remains resilient against dengue outbreaks.
