As winter draws to a close, the onset of spring brings with it rising temperatures, a harbinger of an increase in mosquito activity. While mosquito menace remains low during the winter months, the warming weather creates optimal conditions for their proliferation. As responsible members of our community, it is imperative that we take both direct and indirect measures to mitigate this issue. This entails discarding any stagnant water sources created by discarded items such as flower tubs, tires, and cans, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Furthermore, clogged drainage systems and stagnant reservoirs also contribute to the breeding of mosquitoes.
Every year, countless lives are lost to mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue and Malaria. Shockingly, recent surveys indicate a staggering death toll of 1,697 individuals due to Dengue alone, marking an all-time high in the country. It is essential to implement preventative measures to minimise mortality rates. Ensuring the elimination of standing water around our surroundings is paramount, along with regular maintenance of drainage systems to prevent water stagnation. The key lies in preventing the development of mosquito larvae, requiring proactive efforts from both individuals and local authorities.
The local administration must play a proactive role in this endeavour, extending assistance in the form of appropriate insecticides and mosquito control equipment to prevent larval production. As the adage goes, prevention is indeed better than cure. By taking preemptive measures and precautions from the outset, we can significantly reduce both infection and fatality rates of mosquito-borne diseases. The authorities concerned must not sit idle, while mosquitoes are on the prowl.
Ashikujaman Syed
Marketing Research Associate,
Hebei Huanji Metal Wire Mesh Co. Ltd,
Shijiazhuang, China,
syedashikujaman@yahoo.com