Guntur Experiences Significant Surge in Dengue Cases
Urban areas in Guntur district have seen a marked increase in dengue cases since last year, largely due to water stagnation in neighborhoods and inadequate sanitation. With the ongoing monsoon season, both urban and rural residents are advised to take precautions to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
As of July 25, the district has reported 152 dengue cases, with 82 in the city and 37 in the Tenali division. Over the past four years, Guntur has seen 234 dengue cases, with 447 in 2021, 168 in 2022, and 375 in 2023. The rise in cases is linked to stagnant water in vacant lots and poor sanitation practices.
Dr. K Vijaya Lakshmi, District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), stated that around 540,000 gambusia fish have been released into stagnant water bodies and drains to control mosquito breeding. She emphasized the importance of community participation in awareness drives and urged residents to seek medical attention promptly rather than self-treating symptoms of dengue or other diseases.
Residents are facing severe issues due to neglected vacant lands filled with stagnant water and overgrown plants. Official reports indicate that there are over 12,000 vacant plots in the city, many of which have been unattended for years. The Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has ordered landowners to clean and maintain their properties and has threatened additional taxes for non-compliance, though results have been disappointing.
K Devayani, a resident of Ramireddy Nagar, highlighted the problem with a vacant plot next to her apartment. Despite initial cleaning efforts, the land quickly became overgrown and filled with stagnant water again. She urged officials to address the issue more effectively.
In response, GMC officials have been instructed to accelerate water drainage and silt removal efforts throughout the city. Sanitation workers are conducting regular cleaning and unclogging operations to reduce the risk of water stagnation and prevent further outbreaks of seasonal diseases.