Post News Network
Dhamnagar, Oct 7: Dengue continues to spread alarmingly, causing panic in Dhamnagar block of Bhadrak district. This year, the number of persons affected by the disease in the block has mounted to 30. Health officials say the reason is primarily due to people not taking requisite preventive measures despite several awareness programmes launched in this regard.
Another worrying trend, say officials, is the procrastinating tendency of people when it comes to getting a health check-up. Health officials say most of those affected do not get their blood tests done rightaway when the symptoms of dengue surface; this causes a lot of trouble as dengue if left unchecked can assume fatal proportions.
Earlier, patients had to go to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for dengue tests, but such facilities are now available at the district headquarters hospital itself, officials said. It is learnt that most people are unwilling to visit the DHH and prefer to get their blood tests done at private clinics instead.
If one is found to be dengue positive, s/he should be under treatment at the hospital till cured of the disease. In most cases, however, the patients insist on getting discharged before the entire course of treatment and leave for home with the prescribed medicines. This leads to the disease getting more complicated, say officials.
The number of dengue patients is on the rise in areas like Ichhada, Dhusuri and Pandapatana, with the disease assuming acute proportions at Pandapatana village. Four dengue patients were identified at the village till Monday while five others tested positive for the disease.
The increasing cases of dengue coming to fore each passing day are adding to the woes of health officials.
A medical team led by Alekh Chandra Panda, extension officer of Dhamnagar public health centre, visited Pandapada and Dhusuri Tuesday. Besides, health workers and officials have reportedly intensified awareness programmes in several villages. People were advised to get their blood tests done immediately at the DHH if any symptoms of dengue surfaced.
