State faces shortage of Guppy Fish used to control mosquitoes

Alappuzha: A decrease in hatcheries in government health centers has led to a scarcity of mosquito predator guppy fish, commonly used for limiting the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes. 

Although former hatcheries were demolished in many health centers as part of renovations, no action has been taken to restore them. With this, the defense mechanism used to control mosquitoes has been weakened. 

The reluctance of the hospital authorities to maintain hatcheries and the health department to provide funds are the major setbacks to the restoration of hatcheries in health centers.

Guppy fish were primarily used by health departments to control widespread mosquito-borne diseases, such as measles. When reports of such diseases were received from an area, health workers would release guppy fish into streams, ponds, and stagnant water puddles. The fish would then consume mosquito eggs and larvae, helping to reduce the mosquito population and control the spread of these diseases.

The shortage of hatcheries had caused a crisis in 2016 due to the increase in mosquito populations. The issue was resolved by some social health centers by purchasing mobile guppy hatcheries. 

Previously, the fish were transported in thermocol boxes to mosquito-infested areas for the purpose of controlling mosquito populations, but this method is no longer continued by health workers.

With the increase in mosquitoes, local institutions have intervened by providing guppy fish in some areas. However, this alone is not effective. Although the eradication of mosquito sources is in progress, complaints have been raised about inefficiency. 

So far this year, 56 people have died in the state, including those who were treated with suspected dengue fever and those who were confirmed to have the disease. Out of 5,760 confirmed cases, 18 people have died. Of the 14,942 people who sought treatment for suspected dengue, 38 died. 13 people died last month alone. 

Using guppy fish is a universally accepted method to kill mosquito larvae. It is also an eco-friendly method of mosquito control. Depositing guppies in water bodies and ponds should be encouraged for the same.

- Dr B Padmakumar (Head of the Department of Medicine, Alappuzha Medical College)