Government makes immediate reporting of dengue compulsory

The health department has asked government and private laboratories to immediately report dengue cases for swift treatment.

Health officials said dengue,a virus-caused disease spread by mosquitoes that is not notifiable,was often reported after three days,delaying treatment.

Delayed rainfall and drought in parts of Marathwada have caused a spurt in dengue cases and deaths this year,they said.

Health Minister Suresh Shetty took stock of measures taken to curb the menace at a meeting on Tuesday.

Till October 29,38 people had died of dengue – 20 in municipal corporation areas and 18 in rural parts. The disease had claimed 21 lives last year.

We have made it compulsory for labs to inform municipal corporations and district authorities about dengue cases, said Shetty after the meeting. Health officers have been asked to train district officials,so that they can keep a watch with the help of ASHA workers. We have asked district officials to coordinate with health officials to ensure awareness and preventive steps, Shetty said.

The health department has also planned an extensive campaign,especially on DD and in the print media,to create awareness. The ads would suggest one dry storage day and ask people to cover fresh water containers.

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