Pune records 843 dengue cases in October; health chief reviews ward offices

Dengue cases are rising in Pune city, and the municipal corporation's health department has intensified preventive measures. A total of 843 dengue patients were found in the city in October.

Against this backdrop, the corporation's health chief, Dr Neena Borade, visited various ward offices in person. She reviewed the work under way to contain dengue and told the officials concerned in clear terms that negligence of any kind would not be tolerated.

During the visit, the work of the health, building, encroachment, solid waste and water supply departments was also checked along with the ward medical officers. The visits covered the Nagar Road, Yerawada, Aundh-Baner, Dhole Patil, Shivajinagar-Ghole Road, Bibwewadi, Sinhagad Road, Vishrambaugwada and Kasba Peth ward offices. Joint meetings were held at each, in the presence of the assistant commissioner concerned. All departments were asked to work in coordination to control dengue.

Instructions were issued to keep a constant watch on cleanliness in localities, on places where water collects and on likely mosquito breeding sites, so that mosquitoes do not breed. Dr Borade also said preventive measures must be implemented continuously and medical officers should discharge their responsibilities seriously.

In the October figures, the Aundh-Baner ward office area recorded the highest number, 152 patients. It was followed by Yerawada-Wadgaon Sheri with 110, Keshavnagar with 74, Kothrud with 73, Nagar Road-Wagholi with 71, Kondhwa-Undri with 65 and the Sinhagad Road area with 55. Shivajinagar-Ghole Road recorded 33 and Dhankawadi-Sahakarnagar 22. The Wanowrie and Kasba-Vishrambaugwada areas recorded 21 each.

"Regular implementation of dengue preventive measures is essential," said Dr Neena Borade, health chief. "The departments concerned should stay alert so that mosquitoes do not breed, and discharge their responsibilities seriously."