One more death: Dengue makes Chandigarh, Panchkula, SAS Nagar quiver

A 60-year-old woman of Sohana died of suspected dengue on Friday, taking the toll in the district this season to four.

In all, 700 confirmed dengue cases have been reported in SAS Nagar this season, with 39 fresh cases on Friday.

The latest victim has been identified as Harjinder Kaur, who was admitted to a private hospital in Sohana with low platelet count.

“There have been four dengue deaths so far. The latest has been reported in Sohana, but we are still awaiting hospital reports. The total confirmed cases from the district have gone up to 700,” said SAS Nagar civil surgeon Ranjit Guru.

Councillors raise issue in MC meeting

SAS Nagar councillors on Friday raised concern over the dengue outbreak in the district, blaming the municipal corporation for improper fogging.

Addressing the MC House, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillor HS Sarao said: “Fogging is not being carried out properly. It has to be done slowly, but the employees rush through it, defeating its very purpose.”

“Many cases of dengue have been reported from Sohana, but no fogging has been carried out there. A 60-year-old woman died of dengue, but no corrective measures have been taken,” said Akali councillor Harpal Singh Channa.

Mayor Kulwant Singh said the MC team visiting any area for fogging will inform the councillor concerned, who can then oversee the work. “Also, the chemicals used for fogging will be filled into the machine in front of the councillor,” he said.

Municipal commissioner Rajesh Dhiman said: “We have ordered one more fogging machine. Right now, we have two. We will ensure fogging is carried out in the afternoon as well, besides in the morning and evening.”

With about 25 SAS Nagar cops testing positive for dengue, the MC has decided to carry out fogging in the Phase-8 police colony. Fogging has already been done in police stations last week.

Outbreak more serious this year

The dengue outbreak this year is more serious than the previous year. In 2015, 544 cases were reported till November after the first case surfaced in August. This year, meanwhile, 700 cases have already been confirmed, with 50 more people awaiting reports at the civil hospital. Also, three deaths had already been reported before the Sohana case: two in Kharar and one in SAS Nagar.