Dengue dread.

As India continues fighting against dengue, a survey has found that one in four families has fallen ill in the last three years due to mosquito-borne diseases and depends on mosquito repellants as civic bodies have been failing to conduct fogging.

* Seven of 10 surveyed say municipalities haven't conducted any fogging recently and they rely on 

   repellant sprays, creams and machines.

* 21% people say civil bodies conducted fogging once in the last 45 days.

* Delhi and Bombay are among cities taking anti-dengue measures actively.

* 4% people say fogging was conducted several times in the last 45 days.

 For prevention

* 54% people using mosquito repellant liquids or sprays

* 52% people opting for battery-operated mosquito rackets

* 28% people using anti-mosquito creams

* 26% people burning mosquito coils

* 4% using patches

Countrywide

* Till 17 Oct, India reported 94,198 dengue cases and 91 deaths. Kerala highest - 9,770 cases and 37         deaths

* Indians spend $900 million a year on anti-mosquito products

* 43% of families spend Rs.200 or more per month on mosquito control measures.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.

The maid was at work today. Rejith had come and fixed the dry washed curtains.

A quiet Thursday.