Keonjhar/Barbil/Joda: Even as dengue is reportedly spreading in all wards of Barbil municipality, many cases have been reported from other parts of the district too. Local people and health officials are worried over the alarming situation amid efforts by health officials to sensitise people about the disease.
According to district health department, blood samples of 357 suspected dengue patients from various parts were collected for testing at district headquarters hospital by Sunday. Sources said by Friday, 197 blood samples had been tested while 91 of them, all from Barbil, tested positive for dengue. Four other dengue patients from Barbil are under treatment at different hospitals outside district. Reports from Joda said a dengue case was detected in the area.
Meanwhile, 110 more blood samples have reached the district headquarters hospital for examination. Condition of 10 dengue patients of Barbil who were shifted to the DHH is stated to be critical. Two critical patients were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
ADMO (public health) Dr SS Bal said a patient from Kolkata had first tested positive for dengue. “The disease is suspected to be spreading from him,” he added.
Health officials said poor sanitation, dirty surroundings and nauseating drainage system were responsible for spread of the vector-borne disease. They stated that people are being made aware of preventive measures while collection of blood samples is being give due importance in affected areas.
DHH authorities have opened a 12-bed special ward for dengue patients. Five ambulances provided by different companies and a government ambulance were deployed in Barbil to ferry patients to the local hospital.
A couple of days ago, the number of dengue patients detected in Barbil was 25. However, unofficial sources had put the number more than that.
Among the dengue affected were a pharmacist and an ambulance driver of Barbil PHC. The health department launched an awareness drive in Barbil area while collector N Tirumala Nayak along with CDMO visited the hospital and wards 4 and 11 where dengue is spreading. An ADMO has been posted temporarily at Barbil to keep a close watch on the situation.
Meanwhile, a four-member medical team led by deputy director of health department reached Barbil Sunday. A health team from the district is assisting them. PNN