Dengue grips five Malwa districts
Bathinda region is battling dengue cases with the five districts of Mansa, Bathinda, Faridkot, Moga, Ferozepur and Muktsar reporting 1,868 cases since the ‘season’ for the disease started in July. Cases usually peak in October and the disease fades out by the onset of winter.
Last year, the region had reported 2,571 cases barring Muktsar. Mansa has been the worst-hit with 635 patients testing positive and a woman dying of complications arising due to the disease. Last year, 663 cases had been reported during the season.
The health dept sends defaulters’ list regularly. The local bodies dept that is supposed to impose a fine does not do its job. No schedule is being followed for fogging. DR SANTOSH KUMAR BHARTI, Mansa district epidemiologist
Mansa district epidemiologist Dr Santosh Kumar Bharti claimed that officials from the local bodies department are not playing their roles properly.
“The health department sends a list of owners in whose premises dengue larvae is found on a daily basis. However, the local bodies department that is supposed to impose a fine does not do its job. No schedule is being followed for fogging,” he added.
In Bathinda, 293 patents have been reported, with one death suspected. Last year, the district saw 553 cases in the season. District epidemiologist Dr Rajpal said, “Compared to other districts, the situation here is under control.” The municipal corporation Bathinda has issued 1,700 challans to owners in whose premises dengue larvae was found. “If dengue larvae is found again at a particular premises, the next challan is sent through court. Frequency of fogging has been increased and hand-held machines have been hired,” said MCB commissioner Dr Rishipal Singh.In Faridkot, Kotkapura has reported 60% of the cases to date with 300 patients of total 500 coming from here. Last year, the number for the season was 451.
At least four deaths have been suspected due to the disease. District epidemiologist Dr Kamaldeep Kaur said, “Two deaths have resulted due to dengue. A committee has been formed.”
In Moga, 93 cases have been reported and 124 cases have been reported from Ferozepur. Last year, the number of cases from these districts were 539 and 365,respectively.