E-Paper
Dengue virus strikes city
AFTER Deadly malaria, dengue virus has struck Allahabad and its neighbouring districts. In the past ten days as many as three patients from Allahabad and Pratapgarh have tested positive for dengue or 'break-bone' fever. The two district hospitals have been put on alert, with special instructions to daily report suspected dengue cases to the CMO office. The chief medical officer has formed a joint team of district malaria officer and nagar swasthya adhikari to start fogging and anti-mosquito programme in the high mosquito-prone areas of Allahabad.
Neighbouring districts also hit
AFTER Deadly malaria, dengue virus has struck Allahabad and its neighbouring districts. In the past ten days as many as three patients from Allahabad and Pratapgarh have tested positive for dengue or 'break-bone' fever.
The two district hospitals have been put on alert, with special instructions to daily report suspected dengue cases to the CMO office. The chief medical officer has formed a joint team of district malaria officer and nagar swasthya adhikari to start fogging and anti-mosquito programme in the high mosquito-prone areas of Allahabad.
According to the Department of Microbiology, MLN Medical College, the three patients who tested positive for dengue included 22-year-old Shyam Shiromani of Pratapgarh, three-year-old Kamini of Shahrarabad, Allahabad and Ashok Patel.
Shyam Shiromani and Ashok Patel reported to the Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital whereas Kamini was admitted to the SN Children's Hospital. The district health department officials claimed that all the three patients have recovered.
"Ashok Patel's test did not fully confirm for dengue virus. But still he was put under observation and has recovered," said Dr VK Mishra district epidemic cell incharge. Meanwhile, CMO Dr Shantimal Singhavi has directed Colvin and Beli district hospitals to set aside beds for the suspected dengue patients.
"Adequate arrangements have been made at these two hospitals for testing and treatment of dengue patients. The joint workplan has been prepared by the district malaria officer and nagar swasthya adhikari for fogging and anti-larva programme," said Dr Singhavi.
The CMO, however, denied any death due to dengue. "We have not received any report of dengue death so far," he added.
Head of Microbiology Department Dr Anudita Bhargava said she received 16 samples in the past 15 days for dengue test. Amongst them only three tested positive, so there was no panic like situation. "But still people need to remain alert. Since Aedes Egyptia mosquito, which causes dengue, usually bites during the day, wear protective clothing like long sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes. The stagnant water in the flower pot, container and bird bathtubs should be immediately discarded," she added.
