Goa sees nearly 70% drop in pre-monsoon dengue cases

33 cases recorded in 5 months as against 117 during same period last year

Padmavati Prabhu

Panaji: Goa has witnessed nearly 70% reduction in the cases of dengue during the pre-transmission season this year, compared to the corresponding period last year.

During the first five months from January to May, this year, Goa saw 33 confirmed cases of dengue as against 117 cases during the corresponding period last year.

“The cases that we saw during the non-transmission period were mainly due to unsafe water storage practices. As we witnessed a surge in dengue cases last year, this year we focused on the high-risk areas, including migrant settlements and rented population, where we had cases last year. Awareness activities were carried out and IEC materials were distributed. Hence, we saw decrease in the number of cases,” Dr Kalpana Mahatme, State Programme Officer and Deputy Director of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), said.

“We had also witnessed cases in the housing societies due to the stagnation of water in the plant pot plates and flower pot saucers,” she said, adding that such cases can be prevented if care is taken to ensure that no water remains stagnated.

Meanwhile, the DHS will also continue fever surveys to prevent spread of dengue.

The surveys are mainly conducted to check for fever cases in the neighbourhood of any patient who reports to the OPDs with fever.