Scare of dengue, chikungunya increases as winter is not leading to drop in mosquito population
BHOPAL: Winter has started affecting lives in the state capital but one living thing that still remains unaffected with the change are the mosquitoes. Even after decrease in temperature, number of mosquitoes has not decreased and cases of dengue and chikungunya are still being reported from different parts of the city. This year nearly 400 dengue patients and about 200 chikungunya patients have been detected in the city with dengue also claimed 10 lives.
High temperature during the day is the reason behind mosquitoes still being active, said CMHO Dr Veena Sinha. She also said that mosquitoes are highly adaptive creatures and they adapt very quickly. According to Dr Rashmi Chaudhary, department of biochemistry, AIIMS, “The mosquitoes have become resistant to repellents, coils, fogging, smoke etc. Their DNA changes very rapidly and that is why it is not possible that we can get rid of mosquitoes completely.”
The CMHO, said that the mosquitoes will decrease only when the temperature decreases more. “Generally, in 15-16 degree of temperature, mosquitoes disappear but the temperature during the day is quite high. The fluctuation in temperature is one of the reasons why still mosquitoes are so active. Taking measures is the only way we can be safe from mosquitoes.” Even after extensive preparation by health department, the numbers of dengue and chikungunya patients have increased compared to the last year. The health department did not reveal the exact numbers but said that the numbers have increased.
Winter tightens its grip; temp slips below 10 degrees
Winter seems to be tightening its grip on the city with the minimum temperature falling below the 10 degrees Celsius mark for the first time in this season on Monday. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 9.50 C, which was 3 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature, however, was a comfortable 27.1 degrees, which was normal.
The temperature has been consistently falling since Saturday, when the city witnessed its first fog of the season. The mercury dipped in other parts of the state too with Khajuraho recording a minimum temperature of 9.4 degrees and Gwalior of 9 degree.
The weatherman says that over the next one week, the mornings will continue to be foggy and chilly with the temperature hovering around 10 degrees Celsius. With the mercury on the downward spiral, woollens are out of the closets. People were seen wearing sweaters and pullovers even during the day. Some have started wearing helmets if not for fear of fines than for protecting themselves from the chilly winds. Children reached bus stops to travel to their schools wrapped in blazers and sweaters.
