Controlling Aedes-Borne Diseases in India: A Shift from Fogging to Integrated Vector Management
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: General Science (Health - Communicable diseases, Vectors like mosquitoes, Vaccines); Environment (Pollution); Science & Technology (Wolbachia technology).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Health & Governance): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Government policies and interventions; Role of civil society.
General Studies Paper 3 (S&T/Environment): Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.
Key Highlights from the News
The article argues that commonly used methods like outdoor fumigation are scientifically ineffective in controlling Aedes-borne viral diseases (ABVD) like dengue, zika, and chikungunya.
This is because Aedes mosquitoes primarily bite indoors and during the day.
The best solution is an integrated approach combining personal protection and community mobilisation.
Personal protection: Wear full-body clothing, use scientifically approved mosquito repellents like DEET, Picaridin, and PMD.
Community mobilisation: Eliminate stagnant water and implement larval source reduction. Delhi's "10 Weeks, 10 AM, 10 Minutes" campaign is an excellent example.
While innovative technologies like Wolbachia mosquitoes have great potential, their use in India is limited due to high costs.
There's a direct link between waste management and disease control, as plastic waste provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
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