Dengue Alert in Pune: PMC Inspects 14 Lakh Homes, Finds Larvae in 18,885 Containers

Pune recorded 2,291 dengue cases between January 1 and October 20, prompting the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to intensify mosquito-control measures, household inspections and public awareness campaigns across the city.

According to civic data, municipal teams have inspected around 14 lakh homes and more than 28.31 lakh water-storage containers this year. Mosquito larvae were detected in 18,885 containers across approximately 13,000 homes.

The civic body issued notices to 2,664 properties and collected penalties totalling Rs 6.30 lakh for mosquito-breeding-related violations, officials said.

Stagnant water at construction sites, waste dumps and residential premises has been identified as a major breeding source. Water stored during supply interruptions and water collected in plant pots can also provide suitable conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram recently reviewed the situation at Dr Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital and directed the health, building permission, anti-encroachment and solid waste management departments to coordinate preventive action.

The PMC has intensified anti-larval operations and targeted fogging in dengue hotspots, particularly around patients’ homes and nearby enclosed spaces. Officials have also been directed to use biological larvicides in stored water to prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adults.

To strengthen treatment and surveillance, rapid diagnostic kits have been made available at municipal dispensaries. Free confirmatory testing is also available at Dr Naidu, Dr Kotnis and Kamala Nehru hospitals. Government and private hospitals have been instructed to register dengue cases on the Integrated Health Information Platform and avoid duplicate entries.

The civic administration has urged residents to keep water tanks covered, regularly clean storage containers and remove stagnant water from plant trays and other household areas. Residents have also been asked to observe a weekly dry day by emptying containers where water may collect.

The PMC has appealed to people experiencing dengue-like symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. The administration is continuing its inspection and awareness drives to reduce mosquito breeding and limit further transmission.