Rise in dengue cases in dist

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 11

Six dengue cases have been reported in the district so far, out of whom the recent one is from Phillaur.

Civil Surgeon, Jalandhar, Dr Rajiv Bhalla, said the Health Department was effectively tackling dengue cases in various areas identified as sensitive in the district. He also said that those with problems or queries regarding their health could contact the department on the number 0181-2224848 and also the medical emergency toll free number 104.

Notably, barring the two recent cases of dengue, four have been previously reported from other areas in the district so far. In all, dengue has been reported among six Jalandhar residents this season.

Thirty sensitive areas where dengue cases are common were also identified in the district as Shaeed Babu Labh Singh Nagar (74), Basti Bawa Khel (48), Maqsudan, Janta Colony, Surnanussi, Jindan Road (42), By Pass (39), Model Town, Cheema Nagar (39), Basti Peer Daad (34), Ram Nagar (29), Jyoti Nagar, Urban Estate (236), Near Garha (24), Nakoda Road, Khambra, Khurla Kingra (23) etc.

Dr Bhalla said efforts were on to counter the prevalence of dengue cases in the district.

While releasing a poster on the CM Punjab Cancer Relief fund, he said hepatitis suspects were being tested at the government hospitals and medical colleges of the district at concessional rates. So far 86 patients with hepatitis had been reported in Jalandhar. While medicines were available at the Civil Hospital Jalandhar, free of cost, the concessional treatment of these patients had already begun, he said.

While as many as 1,047 dengue cases – 877 urban and 170 rural – were reported in the district last year, this year, to keep dengue at bay, the city has been divided into seven zones. A 10-member rapid response team (including a driver) had also been constituted in the district to keep a check on dengue.

The team members include district epidemiologist, medical specialist, pediatrician, anaesthetist, microbiologist, lab technician, AMO, AUO, MPS(M).