Malaria be damned

Malaria became the scourge of the Allied forces fighting the Japanese army in the jungles of Burma. During the war mosquito nets were issued to troops. As they were in short supply soldiers resorted to various other methods to prevent mosquito bites. In one barrack some soldiers hid under their beds hoping to ‘hide’ from the mosquitoes. At night the mosquitoes found them alright and in the damp tropical the fireflies also came in droves. So one soldier remarked “Hey Tom it is no use hiding under the bed, they are coming with lanterns”!

It is reported from Afghanistan that “Cases of the mosquito-borne disease malaria, which military doctors say are preventable, have struck U.S. troops in Afghanistan at the highest rate there in nine years.” It is thus no surprise that Defence Research organisations of all big countries are still researching to find an effective means to ward of the mosquito in the field. Our own DRDO is also in the fray and have recently launched “…… the 'Maxo Military' and 'Maxo Safe and & Soft Wipes,' DRDO said the cream based product will fool the mosquitoes, will have a pleasant fragrance and will not block your skin pores-- a common problem with such products”. I wonder whether the US forces in Afghanistan are aware of this path breaking invention.

This lowly mosquito is good for the economy of the Nation. It creates jobs – for doctors, ddt sprayers, people in repellent, cosmetic (to hide pimples from mosquito bites), fans, air conditioners, textile (mosquito nets), infra blue lights (?) et al industries. It also helps municipal tax collectors in Mumbai to earn an extra buck and counter inflation. It works his way. All offices in Mumbai grow indoor plants in pots. To prevent the floor from stains a plate is kept under the indoor flower pots to collect spill over and drained water. This is not allowed by municipal laws and the water collected in these plates is classified as stagnant water. Directors of such companies who violate this law are liable to be arrested under a non bailable offence. Get the idea?

Sun down, pants down or down with anything…..the mosquito is an essential part of the growing economy of our country in all senses. Malaria or dengue be damned.