Patna: Fear of Dengue Outbreak in Waterlogged Areas

In waterlogged Patna with 640 patients being tested positive mostly in the last four days, fear of a dengue outbreak is looming large.

In waterlogged Patna with 640 patients being tested positive mostly in the last four days, fear of a dengue outbreak is looming large, revealed sources. Unofficially, however, the number of dengue patients may be as high as 800.

What worries health officials is the stagnant, stinking water that still remains a problem in the bposh residential localities of Rajendra Nagar, Patliputra and Gola Road following so many days of heavy rain. Many areas, however, are now free of waterlogging.

Dengue and Dengue Fever - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Dengue is a tropical disease caused by mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, joint & muscle ache, fatigue, nausea and skin rash.

‘Dengue is spreading fast in the worst waterlogged residential localities in Patna.’

Bihar Health Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar has, however, ruled out a dengue outbreak in the state capital.

"There is no indication of an outbreak of a vector-borne disease in Patna as per the views of experts", he said, admitting, however, that chances are high of an epidemic.

According to him, 24 teams are spraying ''Temefos'' in Patna to kill mosquitoes.

Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general information about Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Till now, 900 cases of dengue have been reported from across the state, including 640 cases in Patna alone.

The government-run Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) Deputy Superintendent Ranjit Kumar Jaimiar said the number of dengue patients is on the rise.

Quiz on Dengue
Dengue is an endemic problem in several countries including India. Check if you know enough about this deadly disease by taking this quiz.

Patna Civil Surgeon R. K. Choudhary said that arrangements had been made to carry out dengue tests in all primary health centres in view of increasing number of cases.

In Patna, where thousands of people are still living in inundated areas even eight days after rains have stopped, fighting dengue has become a major challenge. It is more than a fear, as hundreds of waterlogged victims confined in their homes are reportedly suffering from mild to high fever.

Top 10 Interesting Health Facts on Dengue
Dengue has become the talk of the town! Here we are bringing you some interesting health facts on dengue to generate more awareness on the disease.

What is disturbing is not only the spread of dengue waterlogged areas, but also reports of other illnesses like chikungunya, diarrhoea and stomach upset.

Patna District Magistrate Kumar Ravi said there is danger of the outbreak of epidemics due to filth, dumped garbage and stagnant water in many areas.

According to a senior health department official, measures are being taken to prevent the outbreak of diseases and teams of doctors will soon visit affected areas to provide medical treatment where required.

Till date, waterlogging in Patna and floods across the state have killed 73 people and over 20 lakh people have been affected.

Source-IANS