Margao: A health department inspection has found mosquito breeding sites at the South Goa police headquarters in Margao, prompting the urban health centre (UHC) to direct police to urgently clear stagnant water and potential breeding sources from the premises.The inspection by a team of entomologists from the directorate of health services (DHS) followed two policemen attached to Margao police station testing positive for dengue. No fresh cases have been reported from the station since, said UHC Margao’s Dr Baptist Mascarenhas.The team found stagnant rainwater in open barrels, tyres and vehicles lying on the premises. The UHC has directed the police headquarters to remove such items and clear the surroundings.“Every year, monsoon is the peak season for dengue, but this year, cases are higher compared to previous years. This is because the rain this monsoon has largely been followed by spells of strong sunshine,” Mascarenhas said. He said such conditions allow water collected in discarded items to warm up, creating ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes.He urged residents to eliminate stagnant water and remove discarded toys, tyres, vehicles, and other items that can become breeding sites.The UHC has also stepped up awareness programmes in schools, colleges, and offices. From Friday, it will launch a source-reduction drive with the Margao Municipal Council, including fogging and cleanliness operations across the town.
