Dengue mosquitoes may die natural deaths

What the government couldn't handle, perhaps nature can. If the slight rain and the subsequent dip in the temperature witnessed overnight continue, the Aedes mosquito responsible for both killer dengue and chikungunya could die a natural death, experts said.

"Slight rain wouldn't help at all. We need to see daytime temperature of 16 degree celsius. But if there is a decrease in the daytime temperature than we would certainly see a change in the disease pattern," P L Joshi, Director of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, told PTI on Thursday.

He said the mosquitoes are not able to survive in cold temperature. "The transmission of the virus thus comes to an end," he said.

"The Aedes mosquito thrives on hot, humid and high temperature, which is anywhere between 20 degree celsius to 30 degree celcius. The temperature helps them to thrive and transmit the disease," said Joshi.

He, however, said the government is not dependent on the weather and believes in continuing sustained efforts to combat the virus.

"We have geared our efforts. Apart from the intensive awareness campaigns, we have carried out various steps to stop the spread of the viral disease," Joshi said.

Till Wednesday, 116 people died of dengue in the country, while 6,423 are afflicted with the virus. Chikungunya has affected 1,653 people nationwide till Wednesday.