Rise In Dengue, Malaria Cases Worrying: Congress

Expressing serious concern over reports of rises in cases of dengue, malaria and viral fever among other vector-borne and seasonal ailments in Hyderabad, the Congress today demanded that the Telangana government take immediate measures to prevent further rises in the incidence of the illnesses.

Hyderabad Congress minorities department head Sameer Waliullah claimed that thousands of cases of dengue, malaria and other seasonal diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery and viral fever had been reported at both private and government hospitals over the last week, and added, "This month, more than 100 confirmed dengue cases were registered at the Nallakunta Fever Hospital alone. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the government take measures on a war-footing to prevent the further spread of any seasonal and vector-borne diseases."

The Congress leader noted that the recent rains had likely had a negative impact on the public health situation of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, and of Telangana in general.

"The rainwater which has been accumulating in the lanes and by-lanes that lack storm water drains has increased the risk of the outbreak of various diseases. Further, thousands of potholes, created by the incessant showers and the poor quality of the roads, are now serving as breeding grounds for deadly mosquitoes. The GHMC authorities have not drained the accumulated, stagnant water from most places, apparently in the hope that it will dry out naturally over the next few days. However, this delay in draining the water might prove fatal for the public as such places are producing lakhs of mosquitoes daily," he said.

The minorities department head further criticised the GHMC for its "negligent attitude" towards addressing the issue, and alleged, "The GHMC's activities are confined to planning and conducting a few mayoral visits across some places in the capital. Sometimes, a few officials visit one or two random locations in the city as well. But, there is no evidence that the body has devised a comprehensive or effective monsoon action plan to deal with the current situation."

"This year, it is especially important to control the outbreak of seasonal diseases as we are currently also in the midst of a pandemic. Since high fever, cold, and cough are common symptoms for both seasonal flus and Covid-19, many people are scared to approach healthcare facilities as they fear that they may test positive for the latter. Consequently, hundreds of people are resorting to self-treatment based on their symptoms. This is a dangerous trend for obvious reasons. I urge the TRS government to create awareness to stop this practice. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao who holds the health portfolio must take some time out of the preparations for the upcoming Huzurabad by-election and focus on dealing with this problem first. He must look beyond electoral gains and must make the interest and welfare of the public his top priority," he demanded.

Waliullah also demanded that the state government conduct fogging and other anti-larval operations across the limits of the GHMC. Further, he urged the government to conduct health screening camps across the city to identify those affected with seasonal diseases, and to provide adequate stocks of the required medicines as well as diagnostic kits to all the Basti Dawakhanas and urban PHCs.

The leader added that the Congress too would work to create awareness among people on the preventive steps to be taken for protection against seasonal diseases.