PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
Dehradun district has reported 21 dengue cases so far this year till June 18, with zero fatalities. Additional chief medical officer and district surveillance officer Dr Avinash Khanna said 12 of these cases are from Dehradun district, while nine patients belong to other States/districts. Of the 21 cases, 16 have recovered and five remain active. Three active patients are admitted at Himalayan Hospital, one at Graphic Era Hospital and one at Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital.
Khanna said dengue cases are usually reported from July onwards, but seeing cases in June this year is a matter of concern. The district Health department has stepped up to prevent dengue cases.
To combat this, the Health department has deployed 100 volunteers in Dehradun and 40 in Rishikesh. These volunteers are conducting dengue awareness surveys and source reduction activities in designated wards. Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers are also engaged in these activities. They inspect homes to check for any larvae in collected water and if larvae are found, they immediately dispose of the water while raising awareness about dengue prevention measures among residents.
Khanna said that if volunteers or ASHA workers identify areas with a high number of dengue cases, a major intervention plan will be implemented. This includes inspecting other homes in the vicinity to ensure that no individuals are exhibiting symptoms of dengue. Additionally, the municipal corporation of Dehradun will be notified so that larvicide treatment and fogging activities can take place in neighbouring houses and surroundings.
He noted that last year, there were 15 to 20 hotspot areas where dengue cases were prevalent and the health department is currently focusing more on these areas. Khanna urged residents to prevent dengue outbreaks by ensuring that no water accumulates in their surroundings, maintaining hygiene in any coolers and avoiding the collection of water in open containers.
He added that common symptoms of dengue include fever (with or without rashes), body pain and eye pain. People should consult qualified doctors immediately if they notice any of these symptoms.
Furthermore, Khanna said that mosquito nets and dengue testing kits have been supplied to government hospitals in Dehradun district and necessary directions have been issued to private hospitals, government hospitals and blood banks.
