Health dept & dist admin closely monitoring dengue in Jalpaiguri

he district administration and health officials are closely monitoring the situation of dengue in the district, and are taking all necessary steps towards its prevention and treatment. However, Saturday saw three persons affected in the district in a single day. As on Friday, the number of dengue positive cases was 52 in Jalpaiguri district. Owing to the rise in cases, the district health officials are meeting periodically to review the situation and augment preventive programmes.

A 24-hour fever clinic has been opened at Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital. Greater emphasis is being laid on dengue diagnosis tests and awareness programmes. Separate beds have been allocated for dengue patients, according to the district health department. The total number of dengue cases in the district last year was 3,908. Two people had died among the infected. Bagrakot area of MalBazar was the worst affected in the district last year.

So far this year, 8 people have been affected by dengue in Malbazar, 9 in Rajganj block, 6 in Meteli, 3 in Kranti block, 4 in Maynaguri, 2 in Nagrakata block and 1 in Dhupguri block.

The district health department has conducted blood tests of 5,318 people so far. Three patients are under treatment. District chief health officer Asim Halder said that all the others have been cured of the disease. Emphasis is being given on cleaning and spraying to kill mosquito larvae in every village Panchayat and municipal area. Each block health officer has been asked to monitor the situation in their area. Health workers are going door-to-door to check if anyone is suffering from fever. Dengue testing is being done for all patients with fever. “The health department is paying extra attention to the areas where dengue was most prevalent last year,” stated Halder.

Kalyan Khan, MSVP of Jalpaiguri Medical College, said: “Even if the number of cases increase, the hospital is equipped to deal with it. Medicines have been kept in stock. Tests are being conducted.”