Sambalpur: One Dead from Malaria, 10 Infected with Dengue; Prevention Limited to Awareness
Fogging Not Conducted in Over 36 Wards
No Spraying in Drains, Mosquito Oil Misused
Door-to-Door Campaigns Only in Identified Areas: CDMO
Sambalpur: The number of dengue patients in the city is increasing. Although the government reports only ten cases, the actual number is much higher. However, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) does not appear concerned about dengue, malaria, or chikungunya. Officials conduct occasional fogging and awareness campaigns, but they do not remove old tires or conduct door-to-door campaigns. As a result, mosquitos breed in coolers, old pots, cracked plastic balls, and other places, causing uncontrolled dengue and malaria outbreaks. It has been claimed that no steps are being taken to control mosquito breeding in areas outside of the city’s main locations.
SMC’s Prevention Strategy Falls Short
The SMC typically prepares to prevent dengue, malaria, and chikungunya at the start of the monsoon season. Beginning in June, a special strategy is implemented, which includes removing all tires from roadsides and cutting the bush. Fogging is done throughout the city. However, such efforts by the SMC have not been documented anywhere. According to reports, officials are only fogging a few areas and calling it a day.
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Mukesh Jariwal of Marwari Pada stated, “We’ve never seen mosquito oil spraying in our area. We don’t even know when fogging occurs. We have never seen anyone do this work. Officials only fog a few specific locations, post photos on social media, and then claim success. However, the SMC is taking no real steps to control mosquitoes. We do not recall any fogging in our area. When it does occur, it is only on the main road. They never go into the alleys,” he said, questioning the efficacy of such measures. He pointed out that every alley has drains, and mosquitoes are prevalent in every home. As a result, unless each alley is treated, there will be no benefit. As a result, unless each alley is treated, there will be no benefit. Even last year, no mosquito oil was sprayed into the drains.
Limited Campaigns and Staff Shortages
According to one SMC employee, “We are supposed to visit every alley for fogging.” Mosquito oil is supposed to be applied to all drains. However, this oil is also used elsewhere. There is also a staffing shortage for fogging. If we only cover a few key areas of the city, the job is considered complete. So far, fogging has only been implemented in 2-3 wards.
Official Response from the CDMO
Dr. Sujata Rani Mishra, Sambalpur’s Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), stated, “Nine dengue patients have been identified.” Six of them traveled from outside of the city. Two of the remaining three are from the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation, and one is from a rural area. Door-to-door campaigns are being carried out in areas near the homes of the two city residents who have been diagnosed with dengue. Samples are being gathered. Furthermore, over 250 people in the district have been infected with malaria. However, one malaria patient has died. SMC officials have declined to comment on the matter.
