Odisha Witnesses Surge In Dengue Cases; 235 Patients Detected

Bhubaneswar: Dengue cases have started rising in in Odisha even though southwest monsoon is yet to cover large parts of the state. The number of dengue cases in the state has touched 235 so far.

Amid detection of fresh dengue cases, three patients were tested positive for the disease on Sunday. Of these new cases, two were from Puri and one was from Bhubaneswar, according to Public Health Director Dr Nilakantha Mishra

Since rain set in early this year, there is a slight increase in dengue cases compared to last year. During this period last year, a total of 107 dengue cases were reported. However, the number of dengue cases has touched 235 so far this year, he said.

As part of steps to contain the spread of dengue, a slew of preventive measures are being taken. Meetings were held and Urban Health Centres and Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) have been alerted.

As the breeding of mosquito should be prevented, it is important to avoid water stagnation. These spots are the breeding places of mosquitoes.

This apart, people should take proper care to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. They have been asked to wear full sleeve dresses, Dr Mishra said.

Hospitals are being directed to keep their dengue wards ready, while all arrangements have been made for the availability of platelets and blood in place.

Official sources said that Khurda district, where Bhubaneswar is located, has so far reported 65 dengue cases. Cuttack, Malkangiri and Puri have logged 19, 17 and 13 cases respectively.