Berhampur: With the onset of rainy season, the Ganjam administration began steps to check the spread of dengue in the district, a report said.
With many parts of the district getting waterlogged from June-July to October-November, the administration is all set to tackle the vector-borne disease with free treatment, blood tests and medicines in all hospitals.
A special ward has been opened in all hospitals for dengue. Even in MKCG Medical College and Hospital, the patients are placed in a separate ward and provided with better treatment.
As per reports, the dengue situation is under control this year. Only 54 persons were affected by the disease and placed under treatment in MKCG. However, 41 of them were from other states. Moreover, 46 patients have been treated successfully.
As many as 369 people were affected by the vector-borne disease in 2015; 329 in 2016; and 146 in 2017. Only 13 were affected of dengue in the district in 2018, government reports said.
“The situation is under control. Mosquito nets have been distributed in all areas while awareness drives have been conducted,” malaria officer Jagadanand Patnaik said, adding seven dengue prone blocks were shortlisted and treatment facilities were set up there.
The blocks are Patrapur, Polasara, Bhanjanagar, Sorada, Sanakhemundi, Dharakote and Digapahandi. Medical teams visited villages under these blocks and collected blood samples of the residents. If anyone tested positive for dengue, he/she was immediately provided treatment, Patnaik said.
“If the disease is treated in time, it can be cured. If there is slight delay in treatment, the disease can claim lives,” Patnaik added.
PNN
