Bhubaneswar, Aug. 8: Four suspected dengue deaths and reports of more than 100 affected by the disease has triggered a widespread panic among the people in the coal belt of Talcher. However, the district health officials have, so far, confirmed deaths of two persons named Narahari Pradhan and Bunesh Samant.
The disease claimed two more lives in Talcher yesterday. The victims are Sanjulata Sahu of Balanda village and Tikan Pradhan of Badajorada village. While Sanjulata died at her home, Tikan, who was suffering from dengue-like symptoms, passed away on his way to a hospital in Cuttack.
However, the authorities are yet to confirm these two cases as dengue deaths.
“We cannot confirm the two deaths as dengue-related as inquiry is still on,” said chief district medical officer, R.C. Behera, adding that steps were being taken to mitigate the spread of dengue in the susceptible areas. Fifteen fogging machines have also been sent to these areas.
Last month, dengue was reported from Kalamchuin village, which has a population of 8,000, and later spread to at least 10 other villages in the vicinity. However, the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) Central Hospital, which is treating patients suspected to be down with dengue fever, lacked a pathologist, doctors and other amenities essential for treatment.
Concerned over the spread of disease into colliery colonies, trade union leader Sudarshan Mohanty shot off a letter to MCL officers demanding that hospital vacancies be filled up immediately.
In another development, the health and family welfare department today sent five mobile medical units, five doctors and a 30-member health-care delivery team to tackle the dengue situation in Angul district. A special team comprising senior doctors from the medicine, paediatrics and community medicine departments of the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, was also part of the delegation to the worst-affected region.
Chairing a review meeting in Bhubaneswar today, health secretary, Anu Garg asked the team of senior doctors to have discussions with doctors in Angul regarding symptoms of the disease which does not have any specific treatment or vaccination. Experts in community medicine would monitor the disease control management in the area. Some senior officials of the health department have also been sent to Sundargarh district.
Asking people not to panic, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has advised them to call up the toll-free Sanjog Helpline (155335) for any query.
