Noida The Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Associations (FONRWA) organised a public sensitisation meeting on Thursday to discuss measures for prevention and control of dengue and malaria during monsoon.

Conducted online, the meeting was participated by around 12 RWA representatives of different sectors including 12, 34, 122 and 142 as well as by district malaria officer (DMO) Dr Shruti Kirti Verma. (HT Archive)

Conducted online, the meeting was participated by around 12 RWA representatives of different sectors including 12, 34, 122 and 142 as well as by district malaria officer (DMO) Dr Shruti Kirti Verma.

Speaking at the meeting, the DMO shared that 34 dengue cases have been reported in Gautam Budh Nagar district between January and August, including six to seven cases in August alone. Besides, as many as 25 malaria cases were reported between January and July.

“Due to constant rain and humidity, we are already seeing cases of malaria and dengue. However, we have not seen any chikungunya cases so far,” she said, adding that taking proper precautions and getting tested was important.

During the meeting, health officials said dengue cases generally peak around October, while malaria cases tend to peak in September and decline towards December.

DMO asked residents to watch out symptoms including fever, headache and vomiting and get tested at the earliest if they develop symptoms.

Officials said that testing is available free of cost at government hospitals and Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres, while private facilities may charge around ₹600 for dengue tests.

However, Subhash Bhati, an RWA representative from Sector 142, said, “While it is difficult to avail tests facility at government hospitals due to long queues, a lot of hospitals and private facilities often charge more than ₹600.”

The DMO, however, assured that action would be taken against private laboratories or hospitals found charging more than the prescribed amount.

Regarding RWA representatives’ concerns raised to the Noida Jal Department about waterlogging and sewage-related issues in the district, the DMO said anti-larval medicine would be spread near sewage areas and fogging would be carried out, if requested by the RWAs.

She urged residents to be particularly cautious about fresh-water breeding sites inside homes, including containers, bird feeders, coolers and improperly covered overhead tanks.

KK Jain, general secretary of FONRWA, during the meeting said, “Proper information about preventive measures will also be shared with every concerned RWA so that residents can take appropriate action.”