NT Reporter
Panaji
To prevent dengue cases during the pre-transmission period, the Directorate of Health Services has decided to focus on construction sites, residential complexes and migrant settlement areas.
Goa reported six positive dengue cases in January. Of these, one case each was reported from Panaji, Pernem, Bicholim and Colvale, while two cases were reported from Margao.
“When we analysed the six cases, it was found that these were reported from construction sites, residential complexes and migrant settlement areas. Hence, we have decided to focus on conducting Information, Education and Communication sessions to prevent cases of dengue,” said Dr Kalpana Mahatme, State Programme Officer and Deputy Director of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.
She said unsafe water storage practices remained the main concern. “People tend to store water in uncovered buckets, which becomes a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. This is mostly seen in migrant settlement areas,” she said.
In 2024, the state reported 117 confirmed dengue cases during the pre-monsoon months from January to May, mainly due to unsafe water storage practices. In 2025, IEC sessions, source reduction drives and other initiatives by DHS helped reduce the number of cases to 33 during the corresponding period.
“We want to prevent the spread of dengue. Hence, health workers have been asked to focus on high-risk areas, including housing colonies, migrant settlement areas and the rented population. Last year, nodal persons in housing colonies were asked to ensure preventive measures. This year too, health in-charges will be asked to follow the same guidelines,” she said.
She added that nodal persons would be instructed to ensure there were no unsafe water storage practices, no stagnation of water in flower pot saucers and that water in aquatic plants was changed regularly.
“If aquatic plants are kept in large pots or planters, larvivorous fish, which are available free of cost at health centres, can be introduced,” she said.
