Koraput: The Rayagada administration claimed that preventive measures had been taken to contain dengue, but fresh cases of the disease keep pouring in at the district headquarters hospital every day.

Three dengue patients, who have been identified as Ratnalu Singh, 52, Bhaskar Rana, 28, and Sambana Kamala, 26, were admitted at the special ward at Rayagada hospital on Monday.

While officials claim there are reports of 11 dengue cases in the district, sources say the figure is more than 20 as most patients keep going to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh for treatment.

"The dengue situation in the district is alarming. Though the administration claims to have taken precautionary measures to check the spread of the disease, but all is confined to paper only. In reality, officials are visiting the affected areas but there is no awareness in the district," said P Gouri Shankar, zilla parishad member, Rayagada.

While the first dengue patient was detected at Biranarayanpur village in Rayagada block, the disease has spread its tentacles to JK Pur, Amlabhatta, Pitamahal, Muniguda and Sulabha villages of the district.

However, dismissing the allegations that no awareness is being created against the disease, chief district medical officer, Rayagada, Chandrika Prasad Das said the situation was under control.

"We have referred two dengue patients to the SLN Medical College and Hospital in Koraput and four patients to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for treatment. Other patients are being treated in the district and their condition is stable," said Das.

According to the official, though several patients down with fever are being screening for suspected dengue.

"All possible steps have been taken to check the spread of the disease. While mobile health units are deployed in vulnerable areas, people have been urged to keep their environment clean and not to allow water to accumulate at a particular place as it turns out to be breeding ground for mosquitoes," the official said.