Assam sees surge in dengue cases

  Schools and colleges in Karbi Anglong to remain closed

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The government has intensified fogging drives to control the spread of dengue in the State. Assam has seen a sudden surge in dengue cases with the Karbi Anglong district accounting for the highest number of cases.

From November 1 to November 6, 344 dengue cases were reported from the Karbi Anglong district while Kamrup (metro) district reported 11 cases; Nalbari, Dima Hasao and Sivsagar districts reported two cases each, and Darrang, Dibrugarh, Udalguri, Kamrup, Nagaon, Hojai, Sonitpur and Tinsukia districts reported one case each.

As a preventive measure, the government has intensified fogging drives. Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Superintendent Dr Abhijit Sarma said, "This year 66 dengue patients have been admitted to GMCH so far. At present, 5 patients are undergoing treatment here. Out of them, one patient is in the ICU and he is in the second stage of dengue fever."

He further said, "People must be cautious. Do not accumulate utensils and plastic containers as they act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Do not let water stagnate anywhere as dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant water that has not been drained. Mosquitoes causing dengue fever bite people mostly in the early morning and evening. So people should wear full-sleeved clothes to prevent mosquito bites."

Meanwhile, considering the alarming rise in dengue cases in Karbi Anglong, all government and private schools and colleges falling under Diphu Municipal Board and the greater Diphu town area will remain closed from November 7 till November 12. More than 1,400 medical workers are conducting door-to-door visits. A nine-member team of the National Health Mission (NHM), led by an ACS officer, has reached the district. A five-member medical team from GMCH has also gone to Karbi Anglong.

The government is closely monitoring the situation in Karbi Anglong. NHM Mission Director Dr MS Lakshmi Priya, along with other officials, visited the affected areas in Karbi Anglong to take stock of the situation and to provide support to the district team to control the outbreak. She also held a review meeting with the Diphu Town Committee members, members of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), representatives from Diphu Medical College and other officials.

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