Madurai Corporation has fined two commercial establishments, including a popular textile showroom, for breeding Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the vector responsible for dengue. During a routine inspection, mosquito-breeding sources such as old tires and stagnant water in drums were found in Saravana Selvarathinam Stores and Devendiran Workshop.
The Corporation, as part of its anti-dengue activities, will continue to conduct door-to-door checks to identify and take action against individuals allowing mosquito breeding. A total of 530 domestic breeding checkers are currently involved in these inspections.
Dr. S. Vinothkumar, the Corporation Chief Health Officer, highlighted that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes predominantly breed in stagnant fresh water, such as in coconut sheaths, old tires, scrap, open drums, and other plastic waste. He emphasized the importance of destroying such sources to prevent mosquito breeding.
In addition to these measures, it is crucial for individuals to ensure that water trays in refrigerators, plastic plates under flower pots, and malfunctioning water fountains in commercial establishments do not become breeding sites. People who store water in large drums should wash them thoroughly every week and keep them properly covered.
The Corporation is actively combating mosquito breeding by using abate solutions in fresh water stored in drums and overhead tanks. Oil balls are placed in sewage channels, and fogging machines are deployed both indoors and outdoors in the affected areas.
As of September, 11 cases of dengue have been identified within Madurai city limits. The Corporation urges citizens to comply with preventive measures to protect themselves from dengue.
Definitions:
– Aedes aegypti: a mosquito species known to transmit diseases such as dengue, Zika, and yellow fever.
– Dengue: a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, causing flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, potentially lethal complications.
Sources:
– None (based on provided information)
