Survey begins in area worst hit by dengue

Aparna Banerji

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Tribune News Service

Jaandhar, May 16

With the Health Department having witnessed its most challenging year in terms of endemic dengue cases last year, the health authorities today held a dengue control and prevention drive in the district today to mark the National Dengue Day.

Last year, the highest number of dengue cases in the last few years, 1,047, were recorded, besides three deaths, the health department’s anti-larvae teams held a drive today to educate the residents of Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Nagar area, which was the worst affected in 2015.

In 2012, 30 positive cases of dengue were reported in the district. In 2013, the number of dengue cases was 112. In 2014, as many as 32 patients tested positive for dengue and in 2015, the number dramatically rose to 1,047.

In a repeat of the crisis witnessed four years ago in the city, the number of dengue cases forced the health authorities to open the ENT ward to take in additional patients.

After the ENT ward was filled to its capacity, the Civil Surgeon had to appeal to the NGOs and philanthropic organisations to make makeshift arrangements so that the patients may be accommodated at the Civil Hospital.

District Health Officer Jasvir Singh said, “Our anti-larvae teams and supervisors today visited the slums in Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Nagar area where 14 teams conducted house to house surveys. We spread awareness among the people on how to prevent dengue and its symptoms. Teams checked houses for signs of accumulated water and informed the people to keep their surroundings clean. Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Nagar was one of the worst affected areas last year. Therefore, the survey has been started from there.”

Speaking on the steps being taken by the Health Department to avoid a repeat of dengue-like crisis like the one witnessed last year, Jasvir Singh said, “The surveys have only begun today, but in the coming days teams shall be visiting various areas and will spread awareness on the issue. Areas like Sanjay Gandhi Colony, Basti Danishmandan, Garha and Boota Pind, among other sensitive areas, shall also be visited by the health teams. House to house surveys shall also be conducted there. Dengue teams shall also be keeping an eye on water-borne diseases.”