The Patna civil surgeon’s office is yet to use the five fogging machines despite two confirmed and 16 suspected dengue cases being reported from the district so far.

An official at the civil surgeon’s office said: “We have five portable fogging machines but we have not started using them because we didn’t feel they were needed now. We can’t do fogging in the urban areas because it falls under the jurisdiction of Patna Municipal Corporation. Since most of the cases have been reported from urban areas of the district, we have not started the fogging procedure. We are thinking of taking it up soon in the rural areas.”

Another officer, however, said there was no such mandate that the civil surgeon’s office has to use the fogging machines only in the rural areas.

“If it wants, it can use the machines in urban areas as well,” he said.

Sources said there are high chances that the dengue danger can spread its tentacles in the district because of the absence of proper fogging. A source in the PMC said despite having four fogging machines only one is functional.

Experts opined that most dengue cases are reported during the monsoon. Since it has been raining in Patna for a while now there are chances that the disease could spread in the capital. “Wherever there is fresh water accumulation, chances are high that dengue could spread. The clean accumulated water provides suitable condition for the breeding of dengue mosquitoes. This is the reason why fogging is necessary in areas where fresh water has accumulated. But I don’t think the PMC is in the mood for any fogging this year. Residents would have to take their own precautionary measures. I would suggest using mosquito nets while sleeping and avoiding places where water has accumulated,” said Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, an associate professor of Patna Medical College and Hospital.

An officer with the district civil surgeon’s office said necessary precautions have been taken to prevent an outbreak of dengue. “On August 19, we had distributed pamphlets making people aware of water- and vector-borne diseases. On Tuesday, we distributed pamphlets related solely on dengue,” said the officer.

MISSION against MOSQUITO

Symptoms

Intense joint and muscle pain
Fever
Exhaustion
Headache
Rashes on skin

Prevention

Use mosquito net at home
If sleeping outside, cover yourself from head to toe
Use mosquito repellents if you visit places where dengue has already spread
Clear stagnant water because it helps in mosquito breeding
Cover open water tanks