Bhubaneswar, July 20: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today directed officials of the health, urban development and industries departments to intensify the drive against dengue, which has claimed three lives and affected more than 1,500 persons so far.
Naveen's review comes in the wake of visit by a delegation, led by Opposition leader Narasingha Mishra, to the worst-hit area of Barbil in Keonjhar district.
Mishra said the situation was alarming in Barbil mines area and the health care measures to fight the killer disease were inadequate.
The chief minister laid emphasis on intensification of cleanliness campaigns in the urban and industrial areas, where the vector-borne disease has broken out. Most of the dengue cases have been reported from Barbil mines belt and Jagatpur industrial area.
Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said dengue cases were on the decline at Barbil following interventions. A task force consisting of officials of health, urban development and industries departments had been formed to monitor the measures.
Nayak said that so far 678 dengue patients were treated, while 504 of them recovered.
The minister said dengue surveillance had started across the state from June 26 and provisions had been made for dengue test at 37 places. An intensive awareness campaign against dengue, malaria and diarrhoea had been launched since July 15. Around 600 volunteers had been engaged in the job.
Report from Cuttack said 35 new dengue cases were reported from the city and its suburb, taking the total affected to 277. Official sources said a highest of 226 cases had been reported in Jagatpur under ward No. 49 of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation.
Revenue divisional commissioner A.B. Ota today directed the civic body officials to intensify cleaning operations at Jagatpur by July 25.
"Officials of the National Vector-borne Disease Programme also conducted a review of the situation at Jagatpur today and suggested certain short and long-term dengue management plans, which would be followed in due course," said municipal commissioner Gyana Das.
At present, around 171 patients from various parts of the state are undergoing treatment in the dengue ward at SCB Medical College and Hospital, while a highest of 103 patients are from Cuttack, said SCB emergency officer B.N. Moharana.
Official sources said the chief minister also took stock of diarrhoea at Kalyan Singhpur in the tribal-dominated Rayagada district. Officials, however, said the situation was under control here. It was decided to set up temporary health centres in case of recurrence of diarrhoea in any inaccessible area.
Facilities, such as collection of blood and transportation of suspected dengue patients to SCB Medical College and Hospital, have been made available for early detection of cases and prompt treatment.
