CHENNAI: Since Tamil Nadu is witnessing copious rains, the government should intensify dengue control measures for the next three months, a Central team of experts recommended at a review meeting, in Chennai on Monday. The team identified hot spots in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Salem, Madurai, Thanjavur and Namakkal for fever. “They also identified Omalur, Valapati and the backyard of the Salem Medical College as hot spots for dengue outbreak. The team recommended a massive cleaning drive at these areas to prevent fresh cases,” said a senior health official.
The team also observed that late referral from private to government hospitals, and people delaying their visit to hospitals were responsible for deaths. The five-member team came to Chennai on October 13 and visited government and private hospitals in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Salem districts before leaving for Delhi. “We will submit a report to the Central government soon and a copy will be send to the State,” said Dr Kalpana Baruah, Joint Director, National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme.
Health secretary J Radhakrishnan said the State has sought additional 2,000 nurses, 1,240 health inspectors and also basic workers for fogging activities apart from `256 crore funds. The State is now observing every Thursday as dengue mosquitoes eradication day. Those who cannot do it on Thursdays can do it on Sundays, he said. The team also recommended educating doctors and staff nurses in private hospitals on dengue case management, said Dr K Kolandaswamy, director of public health.
One more child dies in Chennai Chennai: One more suspected dengue death has been reported from Chennai. An eight-year-old girl succumbed at the Institute of Child Health (ICH), Egmore on Monday. According to sources, Yamuna from Ambattur was admitted to the ICH on Saturday. She had been suffering from fever for seven days. “The girl was brought in with severe haemorrhagic shock, clinically diagnosed as dengue. However, we have sent the blood samples for testing and results are awaited,” said a senior doctor.
The state has already recorded over 12,000 cases and 40 dengue deaths till last week. As rains have arrived, the cases are likely to increase, doctors said. Meanwhile, Health Minister C Vijaya Basker, along with ministers P Benjamin and K Pandiarajan, visited the government hospital in Thiruvallur and examined treatment being given for the fever cases. The minister also distributed Nilavembu Kudineer to fight the disease. Collector E Sundaravalli and district medical officers were present during the visit.