2 more suspected dengue cases reported from city

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 29

Two suspected dengue cases were reported in the city today. If confirmed, the number will reach 21. While one patient was admitted to the GMCH-32, another one was admitted to the GMSH-16 this afternoon.

However, Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, Nodal Officer, Malaria Wing, UT Health Department, said patients would be tested and the report submitted in 24 hours.

Notably, within this month, two dengue deaths have been reported in the city. On August 19, the first dengue death was reported from the GMCH-32 when 48-year-old Tarsem Lal from Yamunanagar, succumbed to dengue. The second death was reported on August 22 at the PGI of 45-year-old Kharar resident Santosh Kumari. 

The steady rise in the number of cases has scared city residents. While hospital emergencies, including that of the PGI, have been flooded with calls to enquire about dengue, private practitioners are witnessing an equal number of anxious patients, who are suffering from either flu or viral fever, but confusing the symptoms with dengue.

The steadily rising cases have even put the officials in an alert mode. Dr Aggarwal has been busy round-the-week taking stock of the situation across the city. He has also issued instructions to the authorities concerned for effective vector management.

Dos 

• Get plenty of rest
• Consume fluids to avoid dehydration 
• Get tested immediately in case of dengue symptoms. If high-grade fever persists for more than 24 hours, see a doctor
• Use mosquito nets, wear long sleeves with pants to avoid being bitten 
• Keep surroundings clean, dispose of waste regularly

Don’ts 

• Don’t leave water in containers, coolers, flower pots or other subjects exposed to air
• Don’t let water stagnate 
• Don’t use mosquito repellents on children below three months of age. 
• For older children, consult doctor before using insect repellents
• Don’t apply mosquito repellent on palms, near eyes or mouth.
• Read instructions before using repellents, especially on children, pregnant women, patients
• Avoid wearing dark-coloured clothes
• Avoid wearing tight clothes, mosquitoes bite through them easily