The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon in Goa on June 4, 2024. While this brought relief to farmers and residents from the scorching heat, it also heightened the activity of health department workers due to a rise in vector-borne diseases, primarily dengue. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far this year, unlike last year when the disease claimed three lives. However, a 5-year-old child from Rumdamol-Davorlim in South Goa died of suspected dengue in the last week of June, causing tension in the area. His initial blood tests were positive for dengue, and his death may yet be classified as a dengue-related one after confirmatory tests.
According to the Directorate of Health Services, Goa recorded 177 confirmed dengue cases from January to June this year, compared to 80 cases during the same period last year. Specifically, in June 2024, there were 60 confirmed cases, with 52 in North Goa and 8 in South Goa.
Dr Kalpana Mahatme, State Programme Officer and Deputy Director of the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, attributed the rise in cases to various factors. “In Mapusa, the hotspots are Karaswada and Corlim. Karaswada has many labourers, while Corlim has unsafe water storage primarily in rented houses. In Colvale, cases have increased due to ongoing construction work. At the border between Mapusa and Colvale, in an area called Gopnechowad, there is a migrant settlement where some cases have also been found.”
“In Saligao, we had cases in Guirim due to unsafe water storage, with significant mosquito breeding found in homes. Hotspots in Calangute, Candolim, and Nerul have also shown considerable breeding in houses. In Porvorim, cases were detected in Shanti Nagar and Ram Nagar areas, mainly due to unsafe water storage,” she added.
“In Panjim, cases were reported in the St Inez, Ribandar, and Patto areas. St Inez and Ribandar had cases in housing societies, while Patto’s cases were linked to construction sites. In Chimbel, cases were confined to housing colonies. The primary reason in both housing colonies and construction sites is unsafe water practices,” Dr Mahatme explained.
The DHS has formulated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for housing societies and has sent these to the Registrar of Housing Societies. Dr Mahatme noted that South Goa fares better than North Goa regarding dengue cases due to fewer construction activities. “South Goa has fewer construction activities and, consequently, fewer migrants who often don’t follow safe water storage practices.”
Discussing high-risk areas, Dr Mahatme identified the following in North Goa: Siolim, Candolim, Porvorim, Chimbel, Panjim, and Saligao. In South Goa, the high-risk areas are Vasco, Cortalim, and Margao. She also mentioned an increase in the influx of labourers this year, as evidenced by the number of health cards issued: 5,826 in June 2024, up from 4,882 in June 2023. From January to June 2024, 29,377 health cards were issued compared to 27,000 during the same period last year.
To combat the rise in dengue cases, Dr Mahatme emphasised the need for community involvement. “Residents must protect themselves and their surroundings from mosquito breeding. Keeping premises clean and preventing water stagnation can halt the virus’s transmission.”
The DHS has advised large housing societies to purchase their own fogging machines and has requested the Registrar of Housing Societies to appoint a nodal officer for regular inspections. Village Panchayats have been instructed to assist the DHS in addressing the increasing vector-borne disease cases.
Health secretary holds
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On July 10, Arun Kumar Mishra, Secretary of Health, chaired a meeting of the State-level Committee for Vector Borne Diseases and the State Task Force for Malaria Elimination. Dr Kalpana Mahatme presented an overview of the current situation, preparedness, and various prevention and control activities for vector-borne diseases and malaria elimination, as well as data on filaria elimination.
The State reported 1,701 suspected cases of dengue as of June 2024, with 177 confirmed cases. For Chikungunya, there were 195 suspected cases and 2 confirmed cases. Dr Mahatme discussed various strategies implemented for preventing dengue and Chikungunya, including source reduction drives, house-to-house visits, fever surveys, anti-larval measures, and fogging operations.
Arun Kumar Mishra invited suggestions from various departments on preventing and controlling vector-borne diseases and directed concerned members to implement actions based on these suggestions. The meeting was also attended by Dr Rupa Kamat, Deputy Director, DHS, along with other government officials.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane urged people to be vigilant and protect themselves from Chikungunya. “I deeply care about the health and well-being of every resident of Goa. I urge everyone to stay vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. This disease can cause a sudden onset of fever, severe joint pain (often in the hands and feet), muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and rash. These symptoms can be debilitating and affect your daily life, making it crucial to recognize and respond to them promptly. Let’s come together as a community to keep our surroundings clean and free of mosquito breeding sites. If you or your loved ones experience fever and joint pain, please visit your nearest PHC immediately for guidance and care. Stay safe, take care, and let’s fight Chikungunya with determination and unity,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Dr Sandesh Chodankar, President of IMA, Goa State, highlighted the increase in cases. “As per the available statistics, 177 confirmed cases have been detected in Goa from January to June 2024, with 60 cases reported in June alone. This surge is mainly due to heavy rainfall, leading to mosquito breeding in stagnant water at both community and domestic levels.”
Dr Chitralekha Nayak, MD, Medicine, and Consultant Physician, commented on the expected higher rainfall and its impact. “This year, we anticipate more rainfall, which will increase mosquito breeding. Dengue mosquitoes breed in clean water, so even a small collection of water for a few hours is enough. According to medical journals, vector-borne diseases like dengue will significantly impact the world in the future. Global warming and climatic changes are expected to cause more mosquito breeding. It’s not only Goa but also neighbouring States experiencing a rise in dengue cases. The early monsoon and substantial rainfall this year have contributed to the higher number of cases.”
“In Goa, large-scale construction works, particularly in Panjim’s Smart City project, are key factors for mosquito breeding. Roads are being constructed at various locations, leading to water stagnation. Dengue mosquitoes are day biters, so vigilance is essential. Even small amounts of collected water can pose a risk,” she added.
“Offices, schools, and other institutions where people work from 9 am to 5 pm can also be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This year, some patients are being diagnosed with dengue without having a fever, presenting with symptoms like vomiting and loose motion.”
Dr Nayak emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and seeking early treatment. “Timely medical attention is crucial. Similar to treating Covid patients, dengue treatment requires precise timing. Patients should receive fluids based on their weight and have their platelet counts monitored every other day. Dengue typically lasts seven days. Delays in treatment and hydration can lead to complications. It’s vital for patients to seek medical help promptly and stay hydrated to avoid severe outcomes.”