Dibrugarh: The Lakhimpur district administration carried out a malathion fogging drive on Wednesday as part of its public health and vector control programme across several areas of the district, ahead of the monsoon season.The drive was conducted in Lakhimpur town, Narayanpur, Bihpuria, Dolahat, Nowboicha, Boginadi, Ghilamara and Dhakuakhana as a preventive measure against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Japanese Encephalitis (JE).Malathion fogging is a widely used public health measure in which malathion, an organophosphate insecticide, is dispersed as a fine mist or fog in residential and public areas to kill adult mosquitoes. The chemical is recognised by health authorities as an effective tool for controlling mosquito populations, particularly during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods when stagnant water creates favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.A health official of Lakhimpur district said the drive was undertaken with the aim of protecting residents from vector-borne diseases before onset of rains. “With the monsoon approaching, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases rises significantly. This fogging drive is part of our proactive effort to safeguard the health of the public across the district,” the official said.The official added that the district administration plans to extend the programme to other parts of the district in the coming days. “This is not a one-time exercise. We are committed to continuing such drives across all areas of the district to ensure comprehensive coverage,” he said.Mosquito-borne diseases have historically posed a public health challenge in Assam during the monsoon. Districts in the Brahmaputra valley, including Lakhimpur, have recorded cases of malaria, dengue, and JE in past years, making pre-monsoon vector control drives a critical component of the district health administration’s annual preparedness plan.Health officials also urged residents to take individual precautions, including eliminating stagnant water around their homes, using mosquito nets and seeking immediate medical attention in case of fever or other symptoms associated with mosquito-borne illnesses.
An official carries out the flogging drive in Lakhimpur
