The district vector control unit (DVCU) in Kochi stated on Wednesday that the mosquito density in the district has increased to 100 man-hour density (MHD) in December from the 88 MHD in November, 2017, reports TOI. Officials expressed concern over the increased mosquito density and said that anything beyond the level of 80 MHD has to be taken seriously. MHD is a unit to measure the density of mosquitos in a given area.

K Vinod, senior biologist at district vector control unit said, “The density is going to shoot up in the coming days and it can result in various health issues,” reports TOI.

He added, “Last year in January, the mosquito density was 102 MHD. This trend is likely to repeat this year too, so a high-intensive mosquito elimination programme needs to be carried out. Awareness programmes need to be carried out among migrant workers as most of the disease outbreaks happen in camps.”

Officials said that the risk of mosquito spread diseases like filariasis were found to be high among migrant labourers and also spoke of the need to conduct an awareness programme among the migrant laborers of the risk of such mosquito spread diseases. “Awareness programmes need to be carried out among migrant workers as most of the disease outbreaks happen in camps,” said Vinod.

Meanwhile officials in health department have blamed the public for not keeping the surroundings clean and called for a collective effort from the side of the people to maintain cleanliness.

“We have asked the corporation to carry out regular fogging and bleaching of drains, tanks and proper waste disposal needs to be carried out in the city. So, what is required is an all-out battle to destroy sources of breeding and a public commitment to cleanliness rather than blame game,” said Dr Vivek Kumar, additional DMO.