21 dengue cases reported in Kurukshetra

With 21 cases of dengue already reported in the district till October 3, the Health Department in Kurukshetra is focusing on hotspots and high-risk areas to control mosquito breeding and the spread of dengue.

As per the Health Department officials the field staff has been inspecting the high-risk areas where a majority of cases were reported in the previous years, and locations where waterlogging was reported. The residents are being motivated and educated to take ample measures to keep the disease at bay in the district.

As per the data shared by the department, 21 dengue cases have been reported in the district, and all patients have recovered. No death has been reported due to dengue in the district.

Teams of the Health Department have been in the field to check for larvae, conduct tests and educate people and notices are being served if larvae are detected. The dengue larvae was detected in nearly 20,280 households, and 1,297 notices were served.

Dr Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Civil Surgeon, Kurukshetra, said, “The situation so far is better compared to the previous year. The next 40 days are very crucial for the residents as well as the department as the number of cases start increasing gradually during this period. Last year, the cases were reported till December. However, with the reports of not much fever cases coming from the field, the situation seems better and the district is expected to register fewer cases compared to last year. The district witnessed 283 cases last year.”

The Health Department official also said the breeding checkers have been going door to door to check the breeding of mosquitoes. Several pockets in Shahabad, Pehowa, and Ladwa of the district witnessed severe waterlogging due to overflowing rivers, however, the water drained out in time and not much cases have been reported from such areas.

“The Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran and other departments concerned were told to focus on empty plots and ensure that the same plots did not become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The ongoing sanitation drives in the district have also contributed in controlling the spread so far. The community participation is very important to contain dengue. People are also being educated to keep checking their roofs, coolers, water tanks and empty pots and to spill used oil on accumulated water. Instead of going for rapid tests, Elisa test should be conducted for a confirmed report and take treatment accordingly. People should also avoid self-medication.”, the Deputy Civil Surgeon said.