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- Dubai 04:26 05:44 12:20 15:47 18:50 20:08
MOSQUITO: You wouldn't think this tiny critter is a particularly deadly animal, but the mosquito is responsible for the deaths of more than two million people each year. (AFP)
Many residents in Discovery Gardens have complained about an influx of mosquitoes in their area, along with an overpowering stench.
Although no cases of malaria have been reported in the area, many insist that if the problem is left unattended it could pose as a serious health hazard.
Pointing towards numerous red spots on his arms, a resident of Discovery Gardens, complained that in the three years that he has been living in the area, he has never faced such a menace.
“This is the first time that we have been facing this problem. If the situation doesn’t improve then it could lead to possible health hazards,” adds Ritesh Reddy.
Residents maintain that the property developer must step in and ensure that every water-logged area is treated immediately.
“It is just a matter of time before the situation worsens,” complains another resident.
The stench, many complain, makes it tough for them to even keep their windows open. “Even though the weather is improving, we are forced to keep our windows shut because of the horrid smell,” details Sheena, another resident.
When Emirates24|7 contacted the Lifeline Hospital in Jebel Ali, a senior health official did confirm that there’s a rise in cases of malaria, but none pertaining to the Discovery Garden community.
"Most of the cases that have been contracted in the emirate are from labour accommodations in Jebel Ali,” reports Dr Suresh Menon, medical director and specialist of internal medicine at Lifeline Hospital Jebel Ali.
“We have been getting a lot of malaria cases but most of our patients had travelled abroad. They could have contracted the disease from there.”
The cases reported from labour accommodations, Dr Menon claims are of workers who have no history of travel. “So, they should have caught the virus from here.”
As a word of caution, Dr Menon advises travelers can take tablets, prescribed for one per week, while heading to sensitive areas. “These precautions don’t pertain to those who are on 3-month long vacation, as it is not advisable to be on the medication for that long.”
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