Cuttack: SCB Medical College and Hospital here has reported this season's first dengue death with a 32-year-old succumbing to the mosquito-borne disease.

Official reports said a resident of Nandipada in Keonjhar district breathed his last at the dengue ward of the hospital around 11.30am.

He had been undergoing treatment at the state-run facility since Friday.

The patient was admitted to the state-run hospital with dengue symptoms such as fluctuating fever and vomiting. The doctors confirmed advanced stage of dengue after tests.

"He was immediately shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Unfortunately, he succumbed early this (Monday) morning," said Dr Sriprasad Mohanty, assistant nodal officer for treatment of dengue cases.

The deceased worked with a private firm in Hyderabad. He was taken ill when he had come to his village. The local hospital had referred him to SCB after detection of dengue symptoms.

Last year, five dengue deaths were reported at the hospital while 2,315 dengue patients were treated and discharged.

Anticipating a rise in the number of cases this year, the special dengue unit at the hospital was opened on June 18 with its bed capacity increased from 100 to 150 along with eight ICU beds.

"The patients suffering from dengue are being provided with emergency treatment and free blood tests," Mohanty said.

"Patients with suspected dengue symptoms at the casualty and outdoor department are being thoroughly checked and admitted without delay."

The first dengue cases were admitted on Friday.

Of the 42 persons who underwent blood tests for dengue on Friday and Saturday, five tested positive.

"Four dengue patients are under treatment at the special ward after the death of one patient," Mohanty said.

Last year, dengue had been reported from 28 of the state's 30 districts.

Naveen praise

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday congratulated Odisha director-general of police R.P. Sharma after the police bagged the SKOCH award for its website ( www.odishapolice.gov.in). The police chief received the award during 52nd SKOCH Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. The chief minister hailed the police's people-friendly initiatives and advised them to work with special focus on the women, children, elderly and the weaker sections of society.