First dengue death in Odisha; situation alarming as 48 test positive

Bhubaneswar: A woman died reportedly of dengue shock syndrome at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, making it the first confirmed dengue death in Odisha this year.

The deceased was admitted to the private hospital two days back along with her sister-in-law who has also tested positive for dengue.

"So far we have not received official report but the patient was undergoing dengue treatment at a private hospital. We have taken all possible precaution to tackle the situation and asked Municipal Corporation to source reduction of aedes agypte mosquitoes that spread dengue virus. Spraying of anti larvicide oil work is being undertaken in all major drains in the city," stated health director, Braja Kishore Bramha.

Bramha further informed, this year 48 dengue positive cases have been reported from 20,000 blood samples that had come for tests from different parts of Odisha. A total of 45 samples had tested positive out of 10,000 samples during the same period last year.

Out of the total 48 dengue positive cases, eight have been reported from Khurda district followed by five positive cases from Puri.

"Already there is a standing instruction that only Elisa test will be taken into consideration for dengue positive cases which are conducted free of cost in government hospitals and district headquarters hospitals across the state. We also urge people to seek proper medical assistance instead of treating common fever all by themselves," Bramha added.