While the number of Covid-19 infections is declining, Maharashtra is witnessing a rise in chikungunya cases. This has prompted the state health department to intensify surveillance in the districts reporting higher mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr Pradip Awate, the state surveillance officer, said the field officers have been instructed to conduct door-to-door fever surveillance in their respective areas. “Every year, our field officers conduct two surveys that include entomological and fever. They check for fever cases and mosquito breeding grounds,” he explained. The state health minister had directed all district health officers to intensify their survey and increase awareness activities through Information, Education and Communication.