Odisha's Gajapati stung by fresh Dengue outbreak

The fear of another wave of Dengue has become a serious cause of concern for residents in Gajapati district of Odisha. Of late, the mosquito borne viral disease has claimed seven lives in ward no 7, ward no 8 and ward no 9 of Mohana area in a span of just one and half months.

Dengue continues to spread its tentacles in Gajapati district with more than 30 people undergoing treatment after being affected by the disease.

According to sources, lack of Dengue testing system and absence of a dedicated isolation ward at Mohana Hospital has worsened the situation for patients.  

Meanwhile, the locals have demanded the district administration to introduce special ward for dengue patients and test facilities at the local hospital so that Dengue patients can avail immediate treatment without delay. This apart, they have also demanded deployment of doctors round the clock to attend the patients.

Also, residents alleged that the administration is not carrying out proper cleanliness drive due to which many people in the area are falling prey to the disease. So, they have demanded the administration to carry out cleanliness drives for the welfare of the residents.

A team of health officials led by District Project Officer visited the disease-stricken areas to take stock of the situation. 
Officials of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation on Sunday sprayed bleaching powder on drains as part of measures to contain the disease from spreading to other new zones. A team of health officials from Parlakhemundi have also been deployed to control the situation. 

Usha Nayak, a resident said, “My grandson was taken to MKCG Medical College and Hospital after he was diagnosed with Dengue. As his condition became critical, he was shifted a Bhubaneswar-based hospital. Soon after his admission to the hospital, he succumbed to the disease.”

“My nephew who was a father of two children also died of Dengue a few days back. Mohana residents are running from pillar to post as Mohana hospital does not have enough beds and Dengue testing systems,” Usha added.

Rasananda Pani, another resident said, “Our demands include supply of dengue kits in the affected areas, deployment of doctors for 24x7 hours, opening of a Dengue ward and door-to-door visit of doctors to contain the disease from spreading.”

District Project Officer Romanchal Khamari said, “Chlorination and disinfection treatment of water is being carried out. We have received kits and will open Dengue ward very shortly. Besides, a team from Bhubaneswar are coming to pay a door-to-door visit and do a survey.”