Bhubaneswar, Sept. 10: The health care authorities in Balasore are on alert following reports of the spread of dengue coming in from several parts of the district, especially the northern pockets.

The outbreak of the vector-borne disease has been reported in Baliapal block in the past week. Officials have confirmed the death of a 13-year-old boy from it. The deceased has been identified as Susanta Barik, a Class VIII student from Betagadia village under Baliapal block.

The district headquarters hospital is now packed with dengue patients. The dedicated dengue ward only has 11 beds, and the surplus patients are now being accommodated on the floor. Hospital sources said that around 25 serious patients had been referred to SCB hospital in Cuttack.

Chief district medical officer Vivekananda Das said: 'As of now, there are 35 patients admitted to district headquarters hospital. Last evening, six patients got admitted. Seven blood samples of suspected cases are being sent for test.'

'The district headquarters hospital has 11 beds for dengue patients. Since we have more patients, we have shifted the excess patients to other isolation wards,' he said.

A medical team from Cuttack is visiting the affected areas now.

Apart from Baliapal, dengue has also been reported from Bhograi, Remuna and Sadar blocks.

Unofficial reports suggested that three people had died of dengue in the district this season.

The chief district medical officer said the administration had initiated precautionary measures to prevent spread of the disease. He said: 'Steps are being taken to prevent accumulation of stagnant water where the mosquitoes breed. Besides, an awareness campaign is also being carried out to make the people aware of the symptoms of the disease and how to deal with it.'