Govt Orders to Detect Dengue Hotspots, Intensify Surveillance, As Dengue Cases Cross 200 in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken up a comprehensive surveillance programme to check the rise of dengue cases in the state.

According to reports, the Health Department has directed the District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners to identify hot spots of dengue cases in the last five years.

State Health Secretary Shalini Pandit directed the collectors and municipal commissioners to start the survey and mapping work immediately to identify dengue hotspots for taking preventive measures to check the spread of the disease.

The health department has asked the district administrations to remain vigilant, take necessary measures and review the availability of adequate numbers of volunteers, diagnostic kits, and stocking medicines to combat the situation.

“Apart from this, focus should be given to tests, treatment and timely referral to higher facilities when required. Similarly, the district and block RRTs should be kept in readiness to manage any adverse situation, stated the letter.

Hospitals have been instructed to set up dedicated dengue wards. District Collectors have been directed to observe ‘Dry Day’ every week as part of measures to curb the spread of dengue cases in the state.

Till now over 200 dengue cases have been reported from different parts of Odisha. The highest number of cases (30) have been reported from Khurda district. Fifty percent of the cases in Khurda district were reported from Bhubaneswar.