The skies are turning grey, the first drops are starting to fall—and with them comes a familiar warning: watch out for dengue. In Gujarat, the state government isn’t waiting for things to get worse. Instead, they’ve launched a full-blown campaign to stop the mosquito-borne disease before it spreads.
For the entire month of July, the state is observing what it calls “Dengue Prevention Month.” But this isn’t just a catchy title. In June alone, health workers fanned out across neighborhoods—urban and rural—visiting more than 1.48 crore homes. Their mission? Find and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds hiding in plain sight.
Flower pots. Open buckets. Water tanks left uncovered. Old tyres. Even bottle caps. Over 5.11 crore spots like these were cleaned, emptied, or treated. “People don’t realize how little water it takes for mosquitoes to breed,” said one team member in Vadodara. “Just a spoonful is enough.”
The work hasn’t stopped there. Over 3.6 lakh people showing fever symptoms were screened, with suspected dengue cases flagged early. Meanwhile, larvae were discovered in 1.75 lakh homes, showing just how important these checks really are.
But it’s not just about spraying chemicals. Teams are also having real conversations with families—explaining how dengue spreads and what small habits can help stop it. “Keep your water tanks covered. Don’t leave water in pet bowls overnight. Wear long sleeves. Use mosquito nets,” they say. Simple advice, but often forgotten.
The government is also warning against popping random pills at the first sign of fever. “Aspirin can make dengue worse if not prescribed,” a public health flyer reads. Instead, residents are urged to visit their local doctor without delay.
Health Minister Rishikesh Patel says it best: “This is a shared responsibility. We’re doing the groundwork, but we need the public to play their part too.”
And while the rains may bring cooler days, Gujarat is hoping this early action keeps something else away—mosquitoes.
Source: Directorate of Information, Gujarat
