Mysore/Mysuru: Commemorating World Malaria Day, an awareness jatha was organised jointly by the District Health and Family Welfare Department and Vector-borne Diseases Control Office in city yesterday.

The awareness jatha with the theme ‘Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives,’ was flagged off from the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Kurubarahalli Circle on Chamundi Hill Road by Corporator Dr. Roopa.

Speaking on the occasion, the Corporator said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to keep the city clean and tidy as health is very important to all and called upon the people to keep their houses and its surroundings clean to prevent malaria causing mosquitoes at bay.

District Vector-borne Diseases Control Officer Dr. S. Chidambara, who too spoke, provided statistics to indicate the declining number of malaria cases since 2012. He said that in 2012, 4,22,926 blood samples were tested out of which 72 malaria cases were detected.

While a total of 63 cases were detected in 2013; 54 in 2014; 34 in 2015; 43 in 2016, no malaria cases have been detected in the district from 2017 till date.

Meanwhile, the awareness jatha with doctors, nurses, students and staff of the Health and Family Welfare Department, carrying placards with messages on prevention of malaria was taken out on the roads surrounding the PHC.

Corporator Chayadevi, Taluk Health Officer Dr. Rajeshwari, Indian Medical Association (IMA) Mysuru Branch Treasurer Dr. K.P. Devianand, Secretary Dr. C.M. Jagadeesh, District Cholera Control Officer Dr. Umesh, Health Inspector M. Nanjundaiah and others were present.

Mysuru District should be made Malaria-free by 2025 for which the co-operation of public, social workers, local representatives, leaders and media is very much necessary. Hence, let us all join hands to eradicate malaria and create a malaria-free society by 2025.

— Dr. S. Chidambara, District Vector-borne Diseases Control Officer, Mysuru

How to prevent mosquito breeding?

Mosquitoes can survive in various weather conditions — from warm to wet conditions. However, during rainy season, the chance for the mosquito population to breed will increase dramatically. Rainy seasons cause more ‘pockets of standing water’ or potential mosquitoes breeding ground around your property. If the mosquito breeding places are not immediately eliminated from the property, you and your family are at great risk of mosquito infestation all day long.

• Discard unwanted containers, coconut shells and other junks that can collect rainwater.
• Remove stagnant water from flower pot plate or plant saucers.
• Keep drains clean and free-flowing.
• Make sure the fish pond and pool water moving.
• Keep the outdoor garbage bins covered.
• Empty the pet drinking bowl outside.
• Use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets to prevent mosquito bites.