BMC’s Fight Against Mosquitoes Leads to Sharp Dip in Dengue and Malaria Cases in June

Mumbai has seen a significant reduction in dengue and malaria cases in June, with a 70% and 30% decrease respectively compared to the same month last year. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported 93 dengue cases this June, down from 353 in June 2023. Malaria cases also dropped to 443 from 649 in the same period.

This decline is notable given the increase in civic reporting units, which have grown from 22 to 880 in 2023. The rise in reporting units led to a spike in reported cases last year, with 348 malaria and 29 dengue cases in June 2022. This year, the BMC intensified its efforts to combat vector-borne diseases and raise public awareness.

Historical Context

Malaria and dengue are mosquito-borne diseases that have plagued tropical and subtropical regions for centuries. Malaria, caused by the Anopheles mosquito, has been a significant public health issue since ancient times, with references dating back to ancient Chinese and Indian texts. Dengue, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, was first recorded in the 18th century but has become more prevalent in recent decades due to urbanization and climate change.

BMC’s Strategy

To combat these diseases, the BMC employs a quadripartite approach: source reduction, minor engineering, chemical control, and biological measures. This year, the BMC enlisted over 100 mentors from medical institutions to aid in faster detection and trained a team of over 2,000 to conduct continuous fogging and remove potential breeding sites like tyres.

The BMC deployed 16,672 fogging machines, covering 49,802 buildings and over 6.60 lakh hutments between June 1 and June 30. They inspected 4,730 premises for malaria-causing mosquitoes and identified 28,928 breeding sites. For dengue control, over 11,45,505 houses were inspected.

Challenges and Awareness Campaigns

Medical experts note that dengue cases are higher in high-rise buildings, while malaria is more common in slums. Dr. Daksha Shah, Executive Health Officer at BMC, highlighted the difficulty of inspecting high-rise buildings for breeding spots, which often include flower pots and trays. Regular cleaning and emptying of water are essential to prevent mosquito breeding.

To raise awareness, the BMC launched the “Bhaag Macchar Bhaag” campaign, featuring celebrities educating citizens about mosquito control through short videos. Despite subdued monsoon showers, doctors have observed a decline in malaria and dengue cases, attributing it to the BMC’s efforts.

Summary

• Significant Reduction: 70% drop in dengue and 30% drop in malaria cases in June compared to last year.
• Increased Reporting Units: From 22 to 880 units, leading to more accurate data.
• BMC’s Quadripartite Approach: Source reduction, minor engineering, chemical control, and biological measures.
• Enhanced Detection: Over 100 mentors from medical institutions and a trained team of over 2,000.
• Extensive Fogging: 16,672 fogging machines deployed, covering 49,802 buildings and 6.60 lakh hutments.
• Inspection Efforts: 4,730 premises inspected for malaria, 28,928 breeding sites identified, and over 11,45,505 houses inspected for dengue.
• Awareness Campaign: “Bhaag Macchar Bhaag” featuring celebrities to educate the public.
• Challenges: Higher dengue cases in high-rise buildings, easier malaria control in slums.
• Doctor’s Observations: Decline in cases attributed to BMC’s efforts and subdued monsoon showers.
• Rising H1N1 Cases: Despite the decline in malaria and dengue, H1N1 cases are increasing.