As per NIMR study, 38 dengue cases were reported in the corresponding period . Both dengue and chikungunya viruses are spread by Aedes agypti mosquitos that breed in fresh water collected from construction sites and in overhead tanks during a dry season. In the rainy season, stagnation of water can be seen in all containers and potholes. The lifespan of Aedes mosquito is 2 weeks.
Each mosquito can lay eggs about thrice in its lifetime. About 100 eggs are produced each time. Entomologists say eggs produced by an Aedes mosquito can lie dormant in dry conditions for up to nine months after which they can hatch if exposed to favourable conditions, which is water and food. A pilot project carried out by NIMR in collaboration with a south corporation in 277 localities in the west zone from July 2012 to May 2014 found overhead and curing tanks were the key habitats of Aedes mosquitoes during…
