In Mumbai, 367 places found to be the breeding spots of aedes aegypti mosquito, which causes the zika virus, have been destroyed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to prevent the possible
In Mumbai, 367 places found to be the breeding spots of aedes aegypti mosquito, which causes the zika virus, have been destroyed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to prevent the possible threat of the vector-borne disease.
Though no one has been diagnosed with zika in the city so far, the civic body has geared for the possible threat of the vector-borne disease, which is causing havoc in about 20 countries around the world.
In a special 10-day drive carried out during January 30 to February 9, the BMC checked more than two lakh houses (2,32,667) across the city. During the drive, breeding spots were found at 367 places in 204 houses. In addition to this, around two lakh water containers (1,98,641) were also inspected in the drive.
According to civic officials, zika is more harmful for pregnant women and the foetus. If they contract the zika virus in the first three months of pregnancy, the size of the infant’s head remains small and the brain undeveloped.
“Looking at the threat posed by zika virus throughout the world, the civic body has, as a precautionary measure, started a special drive to find breeding spots of aedes aegypti mosquitoes. A special awareness drive has also been initiated to inform people about how to prevent mosquito breeding spots,” said a civic official.
