BENGALURU:With a drastic increase in the number of suspected dengue cases this year as compared to 2014, authorities are trying to manage the situation by creating awareness among people and also putting in place a mechanism to track suspected cases. Stagnation of water after rains is likely to worsen the situation.
As many as 3,748 cases in the state were reported between January and September 19 this year, while the number was 1,761 till September 27 last year. Maximum number of cases were reported from BBMP area and Bengaluru Urban.
At the state level, district health officers from Bengaluru Urban and Rural, chief health officer of BBMP and the entomologist from the State Surveillance Unit will monitor the control measures.
At the district level, the district health officer, district surveillance officer, district malaria officer and taluk health officer have been directed to visit government and private institutes to check on cases of fever on a daily basis and to hold camps at places where many patients are from.
“This will help us in early detection, give symptomatic treatment and advise rest to help the patient recover,” state health director Dr G M Vamadeva said. He added that in the BBMP limits, an officer has been named to monitor the control measures at all the eight zones of the Palike, where over 1,000 cases have been reported.
So far, only four deaths due to dengue have been reported in the state. Of these, three are from Dakshina Kannada and one from Chitradurga.
Chief health officer Vatsala agreed that the numbers are growing.
The official said the BBMP is making all-out efforts to contain the disease, adding that such efforts will continue till October as this is the month when dengue cases peak.
Health Minister U T Khader said, “Awareness among people should also be increased. As rains were scanty, the number of cases went up. By taking steps such as cleaning up and ensuring there is no stagnation of water will help prevent such cases.
“Health officers have been instructed to spread the message on taking preventive measures, besides tracking fevers,” he said.