2 dengue cases confirmed

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, August 18

Two dengue cases have been confirmed in Bathinda. They were tested positive in MAC Elisa test, the reports of which were sent to the PGI by the Bathinda health authorities recently.

The recent rains had also led to rise in dengue cases in the city. However, there is no no special dengue ward at the local Civil Hospital, which is mandatory as per the norms.

The Bathinda Civil Surgeon claimed that they did not need any special ward as there were no cases of dengue. However, those who had tested positive had undergone treatment from private hospitals.

Over 80 patients undergone MAC Elisa test till date this year in Bathinda of which two are tested positive. However, the health authorities did not disclose any details about the patients.

The staff shortage in the Health Department, Bathinda, and lack of proper fogging in the city had worried residents about vector-borne diseases. About 50 per cent of posts of multi-purpose health workers (MPHWs) are lying vacant in the district whereas there are 47 sub-centres in Bathinda where each post of MPHW is sanctioned. These workers are backbone of the health authorities who create awareness among the masses and bring to light various problems of their areas. A few posts of Sanitary Inspectors are also lying vacant who use to supervise these MPHWs.

The Health Department claims to spreading awareness to counter and prevent dengue while the recent rainfall in Bathinda city had increased the fear of vector-borne diseases. On every Friday, the department under the Civil Surgeon, Bathinda, used to observe a dry day.

Two blocks of fish hatchery carrying gamusia fish’ have been constructed on the outskirts of the Civil Hospital for their multiplication and to counter the vector-borne diseases, the fish are dispersed into ponds and spaces where water remains stagnant.

Epidemiologist Dr Rajpal Singh could not be contacted in this regard.

Bathinda Civil Surgeon RS Randhawa said: “Two cases have been confirmed recently on August 16, however, patients’ condition is stable. They had got treatment from private hospitals. We don’t need any dengue ward yet as there are no patients in comparison with the previous year. Till date, there were numerous cases but today there are only two cases reported positive while above 80 have undergone MAC Elisa tests. Our door-to-door campaign in all blocks of Bathinda district,, including Goniana block, Rama, Rampura-phul, Talwandi Sabo, Maur, Sangat, Nathana, Bhuchoand Bathinda urban, has already completed. It had covered over 60,000 houses in 50 wards of the city. Every Friday is observed as a ‘dry day’ by the health authorities in Bathinda to spread awareness among the public regarding hygienic surroundings. The authorities also try to aware people to keep coolers or refrigerators clean.”

Last year, the district had witnessed a high number of dengue cases in the state and the first case was registered in June in Bathinda. The health authorities then focused on private hospitals to report daily cases of dengue immediately to the Civil Hospital.

Highest number of dengue cases in the state were reported from Bathinda with above 2,017 cases tested positive while around six deaths were also reported. But the department feigns ignorance over any dengue death.