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Archive Number: 20130127.1516622
Date: Sat 26 Jan 2013
Source: Times of India [edited]
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Mining-closure-behind-malaria-cases-in-Cortalim/articleshow/18191019.cms
A few malaria cases have been reported among the local population and staff of barges anchored at the dry docks along the Zuari river at Cortalim (Goa).
Health authorities have cautioned the vessels’ owners and others to maintain hygiene in the area. A press note issued by the Cortalim primary health centre (PHC) states that the Captain of Ports has been informed about the large number of vessels docked along the riverfront of the village due to the halt in mining operations in Goa.
The hanging tyres on the sides of the barges filled with water are the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and this has led to some barge workers and locals contracting malaria, the note states.
Cautioning against the consequences of not maintaining hygiene in the area, the note stresses: “This will lead to serious consequences if the rate of infection goes on increasing.” All owners, masters of barges, shipyards, dry docks, passenger launches and other fishing trawlers have been advised to prevent stagnation of water in such tyres. “The simplest way could be to drill a hole at the bottom of the tyres so that the water drains out,” the statement concludes.
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