Tiruchi Corporation intensifies vector control measures to curb spread of fever

As part of its efforts to curb mosquito breeding during the monsoon, the Tiruchi Corporation has intensified vector control activities by releasing gambusia affinis (mosquito fish) into wells across the city.

The initiative aims at controlling the mosquito menace and prevent dengue and malaria outbreaks in densely populated localities. The fish are being released into open wells and public water fountains containing stagnant water, particularly in Zones I and V.

Officials said the fish, known for feeding on mosquito larvae, serve as an effective biological control method, with each fish capable of consuming 100 to 300 larvae. The release is being carried out in areas where significant larval presence has been detected. Male fish generally measure around 4 cm in length, while females grow up to 7 cm.

The civic body is procuring fingerlings from a fish farm in Thiruvarankulam in Pudukottai district and is breeding them in a well in Somarasampettai. The fish were released at the rate of two males and eight females per well. Their lifespan is up to one year, making them suitable for long-term larval control. For vacant plots with stagnant water, oil balls are being dropped to prevent mosquito breeding.

“Since oil balls contaminate the well water, mosquito fish are being used. We are providing the fish in small containers to residents who request them. Hotspots in other zones will be identified to implement the measures,” said a senior health official.

Alongside this, 250 domestic breeding checkers and 630 sanitation workers have been conducting regular source reduction drives, clearing stagnant water, desilting drains, and spraying larvicides in vulnerable areas. Fogging and water chlorination have been done regularly.

As many as 37 to 45 fever camps are being conducted across the city and a mobile medical unit covers four vulnerable areas a day. About 350 litres of nilavembu kashayam are being distributed every day.