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Dengue cases breach 1,400-mark in Salt Lake since January

Despite spike, piles of garbage and pools of water can be spotted across all three sectors of Salt Lake

Representational image File picture

Snehal Sengupta
Salt Lake | Published 18.09.23, 05:33 AM

Dengue cases have crossed the 1,400-mark since January in the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area.

"As many as 365 fresh cases were reported in the last couple of weeks," said an official in the BMC's health department.

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However, despite the spike, piles of garbage and pools of water can be spotted across all three sectors of Salt Lake.

The situation is worse in Kestopur, Baguiati, Ashwininagar and Chinar Park and some other parts of Rajarhat as large pools of water have formed on pothole-ridden roads.

From coconut shells to used tea cups, everything lies strewn on main roads as well as roads leading into localities. Each of these items can turn into mosquito-breeding sites if water accumulates in them.

Experts have warned that the Aedes mosquito, which spreads the dengue virus, can breed in even a spoonful of stagnant water.

The BMC seems to have little faith in these warnings as garbage continues to accumulate on roads in almost all 41 wards.

"Most houses in our locality have had one or two dengue cases. Several of my neighbours had to be admitted to hospital," said Shyamal Pal, a Baguiati resident.

In Salt Lake, the blocks from where fresh dengue cases are being reported regularly include AG, AH, BG, BH, AF, BF, CF, AE, BE, AB and AC.

"We are keeping a close watch for cluster infections," said a BMC official.

Dengue Garbage Stagnant Water Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC)
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