Archive · 14 Sep 2026
ICMR Chief Warns Dengue Mosquitoes Breed Around Homes
Dengue is spread by mosquitoes that can live very close to people’s homes.
They may grow in small amounts of water in flower pots or bottles.
Even a little water can let mosquito eggs hatch.
These mosquitoes often bite during the daytime.
People can help protect themselves by using mosquito repellents and ointments.
Authorities also need to remove breeding places and spray areas.
Bengal had reported 6,026 dengue cases by September 9.
A dengue vaccine is being tested, but it is not expected to be available before the next monsoon season.
ICMR chief Rajiv Bahl said dengue-transmitting mosquitoes often breed inside or near homes.
Flower pots, bottles and other containers holding small amounts of water can become breeding sites.
Because these mosquitoes bite during the day, Bahl urged people to use repellents and ointments.
Bengal reported 6,026 dengue cases by September 9, fewer than at the same point last year.
An ICMR phase-III dengue vaccine trial has enrolled 10,335 volunteers across 20 centres.
- Who
- ICMR director-general Rajiv Bahl, health authorities and Bengal residents.
- What
- Officials highlighted household mosquito breeding, personal protection and sustained dengue-control measures.
- When
- The remarks were made on Sunday; Bengal’s case count was reported through September 9.
- Where
- The lecture was delivered in Calcutta, and the vaccine trial is being conducted across 20 centres.
- Why
- Dengue mosquitoes breed in or near homes and are active during the day, making water removal and bite prevention important.
- Dengue cases
- Bengal reported 6,026 cases through September 9.
- High-risk period
- August and September were identified as critical months for dengue spread.
- Breeding sites
- Flower pots, bottles and other containers with standing water can support mosquito breeding.
- Mosquito activity
- Dengue-transmitting mosquitoes bite during the day.
- Vaccine trial
- The ICMR phase-III trial involves 10,335 volunteers across 20 centres.
- Trial status
- Recruitment was completed in December last year, and almost one year of the two-year follow-up had been completed.
- Expected availability
- Sources said the vaccine is unlikely to be available before the next monsoon season.