Thoothukudi Corporation intensifies dengue preventive measures following rains

Thoothukudi Corporation has intensified dengue prevention measures following the intermittent rainfall in the city over the past week.

A total of 212 Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBC) have been engaged in door-to-door inspections across 60 wards of the corporation to identify mosquito larvae in water storage tanks, drums, flower pots, coconut shells, discarded tyres and other potential breeding sites. Larvicides are being applied and mosquito control activities are being carried out to prevent mosquito breeding.

In addition to routine cleaning activities, intensive cleaning operations are being undertaken on a war footing to remove stagnant rainwater, garbage and other potential mosquito breeding sources from vacant plots, open spaces, parks and public spaces within the corporation limits.

Fogging operations are also being carried out across all wards using four vehicle mounted fogging machines and 20 handheld pulse fogging machines to control mosquito population.

Areas reporting a higher incidence of fever are being identified and special medical camps are being organised in these locations to provide fever screening and necessary medical treatment to the public.

As a preventive measure, fines are being imposed under the Public Health Act on those who dump garbage in open spaces, allow water to stagnate in and around their house and premises or maintain conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.

The Corporation has appealed to the public to clean and cover drinking water storage tanks twice a week, ensuring that water does not stagnate around their houses. It requested the people to approach nearby government hospitals if they develop a fever instead of resorting to self medications. The Corporation has further urged the public to extend their cooperation to DBC workers.