Bhubaneswar: Vector-borne disease, dengue seems to spreading its tentacles in Odisha with number of cases registering more than four-fold rise so far this year as compared to last year.
Health Services Director, Braja Kishore Brahma today informed that from January till July 23rd this year, the total number of dengue cases recorded stands at 1,841, significantly higher than 412 cases registered during the corresponding period last year. A total of 9,794 blood samples were tested this year.
This year, the disease has reportedly claimed three lives so far while two persons died in the State in the corresponding period last year.
As per sources, dengue cases have been reported from as many as 28 districts. Maximum 520 cases have been reported from Khurda district out of which 492 cases are from Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation area.
It is followed by Cuttack with 381 cases, Rayagada 147 cases and Jagatsinghpur 131 cases.
Brahma said the administration is ensuring all possible steps to control the menace.
"State level officials under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme are presently taking stock of the situation at all places. Fogging is being done regularly while awareness programmes are being carried out on a widespread manner."
The health director attributed the rise in dengue cases to change in climatic conditions. Due to intermittent spells of rain, water stagnancy is a major issue and it favours the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes leading to more number of dengue cases, he said.