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Last Updated: Friday, 17 September, 2004, 13:11 GMT 14:11 UK
Mosquito rap stings Delhi police
By Ayanjit Sen
BBC correspondent in Delhi

Image of mosquito
Notices on mosquitoes have been issued to 20,000 residents
Health officials in India's capital, Delhi, have served notice on the city police for letting mosquitoes breed in its headquarters.

Municipal health department spokesman, KN Tiwari, said a warning had been sent after mosquito larvae were found.

Delhi health authorities started surprise checks after a number of dengue fever cases were reported in the capital last week.

Delhi police could be liable for a fine of at least 200 rupees ($4.36).

Government departments

"We have conducted surprise checks and found mosquito breeding conditions in two police stations apart from their headquarters," Mr Tiwari said.

"We have issued notices to the police and they may even have to pay a fine of at least 200 rupees if appropriate measures are not taken to control it."

An official in the police commissioner's office confirmed checks did take place in the headquarters and two police stations in the southern part of the capital.

The city municipal corporation is also conducting checks in government departments.

More than 5,000 people have been prosecuted and notices have been issued to nearly 20,000 residents.

Mosquito-borne diseases are a serious health risk to Delhi's 15m people.

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus which is indigenous to parts of Asia and the Caribbean, infects nearly 100m people worldwide.


SEE ALSO:
Mosquitoes sting Indian into action
03 Mar 04  |  South Asia
Fish eat away at malaria in India
05 Jan 04  |  Science/Nature


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