21 new cases of dengue reported

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 10

With 21 fresh cases having been reported this season,  dengue has spread its tentacles in the district . The District Health Department has confirmed that these are the first cases of dengue. In fact, total 61 dengue cases have been registered across the state in this season, so far.

Out of the 21 dengue cases, eight cases have been reported in the Patiala Urban area, while 13 cases have been reported in the rural. As many as 250 cases of dengue have been suspected in the district so far.

The Health Department claims to have taken all possible measures to curb the spread. The department insists the role of people is vital in controlling the spread. In fact, the department is seeking active participation from the city dwellers.

Cases of vector-borne diseases are usually reported between July and November, but the period may stretch to mid-December, informed a senior health official. As per the health experts, dengue cases will be at peak in October. Overall, 2,434 cases of the dengue were reported last year in the city, thereby, making Patiala second worst affected city in the state by dengue mosquitoes.

Dr Gurmeet, the District epidemiologist, said, “The cases reported this year are, till date, are comparatively less as compared to last year. Until now, we have been successful in controlling the epidemic.”

Symptoms and signs

• High fever and severe headache

• Severe pain behind the eyes

• Joint, muscle and bone pain

• Rashes and mild bleeding

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National Deworming Day observed

• District Health Department observed National Deworming Day at Government Co-ed Multipurpose Senior Secondary School on Friday.

• Civil Surgeon Dr Manjit Singh kicked-off the campaign by himself administrating tablet albendazole to the students.

• The programme will cover schools and anganwadi centers where the children from the age group one to 19 years will be administered albendazole tablets.

• He said apart from anemia, irritability, weakness, loss of appetite, stunned growth, and abdominal pain are other common symptoms in this disease