Bhubaneswar: The onset of monsoon has witnessed a spike in dengue cases in Odisha. So far, 175 cases of dengue have been detected in the state.
A maximum of 93 cases have been reported from Khurda district where state capital Bhubaneswar is located, according to Public Health Director, Niranjan Mishra. The number of cases in other districts remain below 12.
There is always accretion in deceases like malaria and dengue during the months July and August when the monsoon is active. The accumulation of rain water and puddles give a conducive environment to the mosquitoes for breeding, he said.
Sharing the statistics he said, the government has conducted 10,781 tests this year as compared to only 5,400 tests last year during this time. Despite the higher number of tests, the rate of positive cases of dengue has substantially reduced he said. During this time last year, around 300 cases were identified as positive, where as this year; the number has receded to 175.
Dengue, a vector-borne decease is caused by aedes aegypti mosquito which breeds in clean water accumulated on hard surfaces. Mishra has requested the people to clear any puddle or accumulation of water from their surroundings, especially from places like water-coolers and tyres.
As per the directions of the Union government, free testing facility of dengue is being done at various government hospitals.
“A standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issued for all districts as a precautionary measure. Clear instructions have been issued to hospitals and medical colleges to keep beds, medicine and platelets stock ready for dealing with any situation,” Mishra added.
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