The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is grappling with a worrying surge in dengue cases, recording over 50 cases per day during recent health camps. This spike in cases has underscored the pressing need for enhanced public health measures in the city to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
From August 5 to August 15, the GHMC, in collaboration with the medical and health department, identified 108 wards as high-risk areas for vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue. During this period, the city reported a total of 731 dengue cases, reflecting the severity of the current outbreak. The daily figures during these nine days were concerning, with a peak of 142 cases on August 5 and a minimum of 51 cases on August 14. While the overall number of dengue cases has decreased compared to the previous year, the current figures still pose significant challenges. From January 1 to August 26, 2023, there were 1,825 reported dengue cases. However, the same period in 2024 saw a reduction, with 1,143 cases reported within the GHMC limits. Despite this decline, the recent surge in cases during health camps suggests that the fight against dengue is far from over.
In response to the escalating situation, the GHMC has implemented a multi-pronged approach to combat dengue and other vector-borne diseases. This includes conducting regular awareness programmes across schools and colleges every Saturday, aimed at educating students about prevention measures. To date, these initiatives have reached 3,045 schools and 427 colleges, reflecting a widespread community engagement effort. Furthermore, the GHMC has intensified its anti-larval operations and fogging activities in areas identified as high-risk zones. These targeted interventions are crucial in reducing mosquito breeding sites and preventing the spread of dengue. In addition, the GHMC has launched a student-led awareness campaign, training 2,751 volunteers from educational institutions to disseminate information on dengue prevention and engage the public in proactive measures.
The corporation is also conducting extensive entomological activities, focusing on hostels and educational institutions, with 554 hostels covered so far. These efforts are part of a broader, comprehensive strategy to mitigate the spread of dengue within the city. With the onset of the monsoon season, which typically exacerbates the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, the GHMC’s ongoing efforts to enhance public awareness and implement rigorous control measures are more critical than ever. The current surge in dengue cases serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sustained public health efforts to protect the community from such outbreaks.
