HPA: Fogging isn’t the solution to dengue

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said that fogging to kill mosquitoes wasn’t the solution to preventing dengue from spreading in the country.

Head of Communicable Disease Control, Dr. Fathmath Nazla Rafeeq said that population of mosquitoes carrying dengue would grow again despite fogging, unless mosquito breeding grounds aren’t destroyed.

“Fogging will kill the larger mosquitoes flying about. Fogging is most effective when it is carried out a certain way. It will have no effect if it starts raining after fogging. Mosquitoes will build up resistance if fogging is used too frequently. So fogging is not the solution,” said Dr. Nazla.

Dr. Nazla speaking to press regarding spread of dengue. Sun photo: Yoosuf Sofwan

She said that the number of dengue cases increased year by year in the country. And that it was because of existence of mosquito breeding grounds.

She noted that mosquitoes didn’t breed on large lakes but in small items that water gets into.

Dr. Nazla said that controlling mosquito population in the country was an ongoing effort. And that country-wide efforts were made to control mosquito population during periods of time when dengue is most widespread.

She said that they start working with health centers of islands to destroy mosquito breeding grounds the moment a dengue case is reported in any island. And that they start fogging if dengue cases still continue comping up from the island.

Dr. Nazla said that HPA kept a close eye on critical dengue cases. And ensured that all atolls were equipped to test for dengue and treat the disease.

“There is no specific medicine for dengue. But IV fluids and different medicine is given to control the symptoms. We therefore ensure that there is enough in stock,” she said.

464 dengue cases have been reported to them so far this year, which is a figure higher when compared to the same period of time last year. But 96 percent of the cases were not life-threatening – with 67 percent of the cases reported from the atolls.

Statistics show an increase in dengue cases in Male’, K. Kaashidhoo and H. A. Ihavandhoo.

Last year’s dengue outbreak witnessed over 1,800 cases reported. And six fatalities.

But government authorities have expressed confidence they can maintain a “zero fatality rate” this year.