Dengue situation worsens in Odisha; 468 affected

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Sep 18:

The dengue situation in  Odisha continues to deteriorate with the number of patients affected by the killer disease increasing rapidly. One person has died so far while 468 have tested positive for dengue, as per data provided by the state government today.

Odisha Government has set up a helpline to provide information on dengue related issues. The helpline number is 0674-2390466.

As per information provided by Odisha Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, there are 58 patients under treatment at various hospitals of the state including 54 at SCB medical college and hospital in Cuttack alone. Out of the 54 under treatment in SCB, seven have been admitted to the ICU, he said.

The government has made special arrangements to treat dengue patients free of cost at all district headquarters hospitals and special wards have been opened for them at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar and the three government-run medical colleges and hospitals in the state.

Of the 10 districts where dengue cases have been detected, Bhadrak continues to be the worst affected with 63 victims.  Besides, 58 cases were identified in Cuttack, 53 each in Jagatsinghpur and Balasore, 49 in Khurda and 40 cases in Jajpur.

“We have arranged for free treatment of dengue patients in each District headquarters hospital, besides Capital Hospital, SCB, MKCG and VSS medical colleges. Special dengue wards have been earmarked in all these hospitals. Blood platelets have also been made available in these hospitals for emergency situations,” said Minister Nayak.

“Overall, 110 out of the 164 patients who had been under treatment in SCB for dengue since August 28 have been cured completely and discharged. The remaining are being treated by a dedicated team of specialists. SCB can treat 200 dengue patients simultaneously in its dengue ward,” the minister added.