Surat: The vector-borne disease control wing of the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) health department has intensified surveillance and enforcement across city zones to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, with reported malaria and dengue cases showing a gradual rise over the past three months.During a weeklong survey that began on Sep 19, civic teams covered 4,76,589 houses and establishments and inspected 15,42,472 potential mosquito-breeding containers. Of these, 9,730 active breeding spots were identified and destroyed on the spot.The civic body issued notices to 1,498 property owners and recovered Rs 68,200 in administrative charges from those found allowing conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.According to SMC data, malaria and dengue cases have increased steadily over the past three months. The city recorded 107 malaria and 90 dengue cases in July. In Aug, the numbers rose to 112 and 105, respectively, while there have been115 malaria and 111 dengue cases in Sep.Officials said anti-larval and adult mosquito control measures were undertaken in affected areas to contain the spread of these vector-borne diseases.In a parallel drive targeting construction sites, zonal teams inspected 871 small and large sites during the same period. The inspections resulted in the identification and destruction of 618 mosquito-breeding sources.SMC also served notices on 120 construction-site organisers for allowing conditions conducive to mosquito breeding.The intensified inspections and enforcement measures form part of the civic body’s ongoing efforts to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites and strengthen disease prevention across Surat during the monsoon season.
