Dengue: 28 cases reported, count reaches 422

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 23

The District Health Department confirmed 28 new dengue positive cases here today with which the total count of dengue patients in the district has increased to 422. The district epidemiologist, Dr Madan Mohan, said medical tests confirmed by the laboratory at Government Medical College have confirmed 28 dengue patients today.

As the dengue count is increasing with each day, a large number of residents are frantically posting messages on social networking groups, especially on Whatsapp, which state that rubbing of coconut oil on exposed body parts below knees can prevent mosquito bites. Another message states that keeping a cardamom in mouth can help in increasing platelet count.

Talking to The Tribune, Dr Madan Mohan said these messages should not be taken seriously, as these have no scientific basis and can do more harm to the residents.

“Prevention is the foremost step. Then comes diagnosis and regular monitoring of platelet count. One does not need to have transfusion of platelets unless the platelet count goes down below 10,000,” he said. He said people were also advised not to create panic and share such unscientific remedies.

Senior health officials are continuously monitoring the situation in the district. “We are constantly in touch with isolation wards at government hospitals, so as to keep a check on the health of admitted patients,” he said.

He stated that patients should also ensure that they get the disease diagnosed with the Mac Elisa test, as reports of RCT (Rapid Card Test) usually conducted by private hospitals are not accurate.