The dengue cases in the Gwalior Chambal Division are once again on the rise with more than 550 cases reported till now. Five people have died of the deadly disease so far, out of which were children.

The most affected are the children with 301paediatric cases reported so far. The latest victim is a thirteen year old girl, Junaid who died yesterday even while her parents were waiting for the sample blood report. There are many active dengue clusters in the city with DD Nagar and a few adjourning areas classified as high-risk areas.  More than 100 cases have been reported from this area alone. Even posh colonies like City Centre, Basant Vihar and Lalitpur Colony are in the grip of this lethal disease.

There being no meaningful preventive or control activities by the concerned authorities, it is no surprise that this disease is turning into an epidemic of alarming proportions. The lethargic attitude of the civic body is despite several warnings by health experts to continue the vigil even during the lull periods.

According to experts, the female of the Aedes Aegypti species, which is the main carrier of this disease can lay eggs on any wet surface and it does not even require a water pool. These eggs have the capacity to stay alive for up to a year or more even in dry conditions. One does not know whether it is out of ignorance or indifference that the authorities have failed to take these things into account and initiate some preventive measures. It is for the District Administration to step in and take some constructive steps as precious lives, especially those of innocent children are at stake. Responsibilities must be fixed.