Muscat: Authorities have stepped up a campaign against the spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes as dengue cases continue to be reported in the Muscat governorate. The campaigns are being carried out in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Governorate and the Muscat Municipality and other relevant authorities. Leaflets and brochures were distributed in various villages of the Governorate as part of the public awareness campaign. Field teams have also been formed to investigate the breeding grounds of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. There are currently 76 reported cases of dengue in Muscat, North Batina and South Batina governorates. So far, more than 3,500 homes have been sprayed with mosquito repellent.
The vaccination was carried out from March 27 to April 6. Most of the spraying was in the Grubra area of the Boucher district. There was also a two-day exhibition at the Mall of Muscat titled ‘Be the Change’. The campaign described the exhibition and preventive measures against the Aedes aegypti mosquito that causes dengue fever.
The Director General of Health, Dr. Muscat, has been asked to form a working team to control the spread of mosquitoes. Tamra Saeed Al Ghafri suggested. Its members include specialists and officials from DGHS, various public directorates of the Muscat Municipality, Haya Water and the Oman Environmental Services Holding Company.
According to official figures, 26 people have been diagnosed with the disease in Muscat Governorate so far. The number of dengue cases in different regions is Boucher-17, Zeeb-7 and Emirate-2. The governorates of Muscat and Dhofar had confirmed dengue cases in the country in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Common dengue symptoms include a sudden high fever, unbearable headache, pain behind the eyeballs, pain in the joints and muscles, loss of appetite, loss of taste, nausea and vomiting.