Panicked by the symptoms of dengue in a schoolboy in Vadavalli, his father and residents have petitioned the District Collector T.N. Hariharan, on Monday, to provide Nilavembu (Chiretta) drink and spray mosquito repellent in their area.

The petitioner, S. Vadivel from Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, claimed that his son, V. Ramesh, fell ill with fever. When he was taken to the hospital, the doctors informed him that the child had symptoms of dengue.

Vadivel had immediately informed the Corporation officials, urging them to provide Nilavembu drink and spray mosquito repellent in the area. However, he alleged that there was no positive response from the officials.

“This is a serious issue and it should be addressed at the earliest,” said Vadivel.

Reacting to the allegations, a top official of the Coimbatore Corporation said that dengue prevention work had started ahead of the monsoon, adding that all the areas will be covered as soon as possible.

“Even higher officials like the district collector and Corporation Commissioner are checking regularly in many areas,” the official added.