Balasore: After Barbil, dengue cases were reportedly detected in various parts of Balasore district.
As many as 16 dengue cases were detected in the district, said chief district medical officer Dr Bhawani Shankar Pani Friday.
This has triggered panic in the areas from where such cases have been detected. The incident has exposed the administration’s failure in preventing the situation. According to sources, 85 suspected cases have gone through blood tests at the DHH while one of them is from neighbouring West Bengal.
Besides, 12 people of the district tested positive for dengue at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack earlier. A special dengue ward has been opened at the DHH with 10 beds. Dr Pani said 1,936 ASHA workers were trained to find out suspected dengue cases and make arrangements for treatment of patients at the DHH.
Appearance of dengue has come amid allegations that poor sanitation in civic body areas and rural pockets have led to state of affairs.
Dr Pani said elaborate arrangements are being made to create awareness about the vector-borne disease in the district.
Alarmed over the dengue situation in Barbuil and Balasore, collector Pramod Kumar Das held an emergency meeting here Friday. At the meeting, Das laid stress on taking various effective steps for prevention of dengue, malaria and diarrhoea, to strike out bogus ration card holders by August 15 and include eligible people in NFSA beneficiary lists.
Das observed that though dengue situation is under control now, it may spread in coming days. He emphasised need for proper sanitation and supply of safe drinking water in all areas. PNN
