Patna: Patna district magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal on Wednesday issued strict instructions to officials concerned to take all possible measures to prevent the spread of dengue and chikungunya in the state capital.

He held a meeting with officials of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) and Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) to formulate an action plan against the mosquito-borne diseases.

PMCH superintendent in-charge Dipak Tandon, NMCH superintendent Anand Prasad Singh and IGIMS director N.R. Biswas said there is no scarcity of platelets in hospitals.

In Patna, more than 500 cases of dengue and over 300 cases of chikungunya have been recorded in the last two months.

Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) commissioner Abhishek Singh said 10 fogging machines have been put into service. DM Agarwal said fogging must be done twice a day.

Agarwal also asked health department officials to use the anti-larvae spray - in presence of local residents - in all areas where there is stagnant water. Patna civil surgeon G.S. Singh was asked to ensure the deputation of health employees in fogging vans.