CMC, SCB gear up to tackle dengue menace

The spike in the cases of dengue infections in Bhubaneswar has now prompted the district administration and other agencies in Cuttack to be on an alert mode. Usually, there is a rise in cases of dengue during the monsoon season.

Not only Cuttack, efforts are now being taken towards effective tackling of the situation in the entire district with assistance from the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC). A high-level meeting was held at CMC headquarters to chalk out a strategy in this regard. Discussions were held to ensure that people keep surroundings near their respective houses clean and ensure that there is no accumulation of rain water in items with hard surfaces which can turn into a breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Moreover, Anganwadi and ASHA workers will also be engaged to create awareness and implement other guidelines. Though dengue cases have been detected in Cuttack district, no case has been reported from the city so far.

CMC Mayor Subhash Singh said, "Last year, we were successful in ensuring zero casualty. We had convened an emergency meeting and it was also attended by SCB Medical College and Hospital. We will observe four days as dry day in a month. We are focussing on creating ward-wise awareness and bush-cutting measures."

SCB Emergency Officer, BN Moharana said, "As already cases are rising in Bhubaneswar, we have created provision for 100 beds. We will instruct blood bank of the hospital to provide platelets on an emergency basis."