Fogging Ineffective in Controlling the Dengue Outbreak in Delhi: CSE

Delhi has reported over 12,500 cases of dengue in 2015. It estimated that the municipal corporations of south and east Delhi had already spent about Rs. 70 lakh on diesel for fogging till October 10, 2015. However, the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) has claimed that the fogging drive being carried out was 'ineffective' against mosquitoes which are responsible for the dengue menace. The CSE said, "The drive however had a harmful health impact, especially on children, elderly and those with respiratory ailments. After a large number of dengue cases recorded in August 2015, the authorities had stepped up fogging as one of the solutions to prevent vector-borne disease from spreading."

Deputy director general Chandra Bhushan said, "We looked into the issue when community members approached us and shared their observations and experiences. We found that fogging is ineffective in containing dengue and has a harmful effect on the health of people. Fogging knocks down adult mosquito only, and not the larvae that are the source of breeding. Larvicide measures on the other hand were recognized as an important intervention to prevent large-scale spread of dengue."

The CSE said, "Unless repeated frequently, fogging cannot control the next batch of adults out of the larvae. This is why, source control through larvicide measures is considered effective. Medical experts suggest that direct inhalation of diesel fumes, combined with insecticides, can exacerbate asthma or bronchitis among those with respiratory ailments. Instead of fogging, the focus should be on long-term preventive measures and creating awareness among people."

Source-IANS