Bhubaneswar: There has been rise in dengue cases in Bhubaneswar compared to last year but the situation is under control, Capital Hospital director Laxmidhar Sahoo told the media on Monday.
“We are testing around 500 samples daily and 60-70 of them are showing positive results. Around 15 patients are being admitted to the hospital daily. At present, 62 diagnosed with dengue are undergoing treatment at the hospital,” he said.
The hospital has been accommodating patients using folding beds. “We have also made space in some room that had remained closed,” he said.
On August 19, Public Health Director Dr. Niranjan Mishra had informed that the number of beds in the state-run facility will be increased to 70.
Sahoo further said that more testing facilities are being planned considering the rush and the state government is also taking steps to tackle the menace. “Since yesterday, patients are also being admitted to four upgraded PHCs in the periphery. Testing facility is also available there. Though we won’t be able to increase the number of beds in Capital hospital, treatment can be provided in the 20 upgraded PHCs in Bhubaneswar,” he added.
Meanwhile, dengue cases in the state have mounted to 2,426 with Khurda district accounting for the highest 1,220 positive cases. Till August 17, Bhubaneswar had reported 1,164 dengue cases, including 300 in the past week.