Mosquitoes on the rise in West Kochi

KOCHI: West Kochi is still in the grip of mosquito menace though the Kochi Corporation claims that steps have been taken to deal with the situation. Training has been imparted to health workers in using handheld fogging machines.Mosquitoes are breeding freely, thanks to the  increasing number of potholes on the roads. The pond-like potholes are ideal for the mosquitoes to proliferate. Stanley, a resident staying near Santa Cruz Basilica, said that the menace is continuing unabated.The local body is not able to deal with the situation, he said. But health officer Dr Manjusha said that the Corporation is engaged in spraying insecticides in potholes and canals and other areas. However, she was not able to give a clear reply to the number of workers engaged spraying activities. She said that the rain is a hindrance to the operation. When it stops raining, the workers are pressed into service.She said that fogging is the most effective measure to control mosquitoes. But it is difficult to use fogging machines during rainy season. Water can cause damage to the machines, she said. She said that the anti-mosquito work will be beefed up once the Corporation completes imparting training to workers on using hand-held fogging machines.The local body had procured 25 hand-held fogging machines. Fifty workers are undergoing training for using the machines, Health Inspector Latheef said.The health department is also engaged in fighting mosquito menace in two circles out of 10.  A large number of migrant workers from North India employed in different areas in West Kochi have made the residents more vulnerable to rare diseases. Malaria which was eradicated from the area has once again surfaced due to those infected with the disease thronging the area, health officials said. They said that eight cases of malaria and five cases of dengue fever were reported in the district during  August.