Larvae detected at 353 sites, dengue outbreak looms large in Patiala

Patiala, July 8

The Health Department today detected dengue larvae at 353 sites in the district under the ‘Friday Dry Day’ drive conducted to stop mosquito breeding. The dengue larvae, however, were immediately destroyed by the officials. Around 28, 247 households were checked by the health officials during the drive.

Health officials claimed that recent spells of rains had ramped up the potential risk of dengue outbreak. They said the detection of dengue larvae in the district had doubled over the past few days.

Following the recent rains, Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Raju Dhir has ordered health officials to increase the vigil of households to stave off the dengue breeding. He directed them to spray larvicides in open areas wherever they find stagnant water. He said people should get themselves tested for dengue at government health centres.

Dr Sumeet Singh, District Epidemiologist, said the district had reported three dengue cases in this season. He said, “Of 300 dengue suspected cases, only three have tested positive for the vector-borne infection. Considering the detection of dengue larvae over the past few days, dengue cases are likely to rise. People should start taking precautions.”

He said they had detected dengue larvae at 1,379 sites in this season so far. Dr Sumeet Singh said residents should do their bit by draining off stagnant water in their surroundings.