7 test positive for dengue in Karnal

Karnal, August 24

Dengue has started raising its ugly head again with seven cases being confirmed by the Health Department, which had conducted tests on 79 patients suffering from acute fever. Of these, six cases are from rural areas, while one is from Model Town. Sources say the actual number may be much higher, as many cases go unreported.

Meanwhile, the department has appealed to private hospitals not to spread rumours and only rely on Elisa test report issued by health officials. The private hospitals were also instructed not to charge more than Rs 600 for Elisa test and not more than Rs 1,200 for chikungunya test.

“We have instructed the private hospitals not to spread rumours and confirm dengue only after it is confirmed by Elisa test. They have also been asked not to charge more than Rs 600 for Elisa test,” said Dr Saroj, Deputy Civil Surgeon.

In 2017, 85 dengue cases were reported in the district. In 2013, there were 185 cases, while in 2014 it was a downfall and the cases were only three. Similarly, in 2015 the number was 215, while in 2016 it was 22.

“We have beefed up field activities for prevention and control of dengue. Four teams comprising of 20 breading checkers have been formed to check the breeding of larvae of aedes egypti mosquito. The team members have scanned 2.47 lakh households and found breeding of larvae in 2,533 households,” the Deputy Civil Surgeon said. “Daily fumigation is also being carried out along with field activities which include checking of breeding sources like coolers, containers, tyres and other sources. We have issued notices to 1,300 households,” she added.