Diphu :  Surge in Dengue cases has amplified apprehension among common people in Diphu town and the authority is trying to prevent further spread of this vector born disease. The Joint Director of Health & Family Welfare, National Health Mission and local Municipality has taken several preventive measures to arrest the situation.  

According to official reports out of the 796 verified cases, 271 persons have tested positive and are currently receiving treatment either in private health centers and clinics, out of which 18 have been admitted in Diphu Medical College and Hospital.

Four areas of Diphu town – Birla, Harilal Basti, Shiv Bari and Panbari, have been placed under Red Alert. Maximum numbers of patients suffering from this disease are from these areas. Meanwhile Mrs. Rohila Teronpi died due to Dengue infection in Diphu Medical College and Hospital last Sunday.

Cognizant sections of Diphu have expressed concern over the enormously contaminated and germ-infested Diphu River which is flowing through Diphu town. “Why are the authorities not taking steps to clean this stream and its banks? This may be the largest source of not only Dengue but other vector borne disease.

Diphu was already infamous for Malaria previously, now since the last two years Dengue is taking its toll, I hope authorities will take steps not for Dengue but for health and hygiene” said a senior citizen of Diphu town.     

Authority of Diphu Medical College and Hospital has appealed to the people to get their blood test and receive medicine from the hospital in case of Dengue, a spokesperson of the Medical College mentioned that the institute is fully equipped to test all blood samples and have sufficient stock of medicine and comply with other necessary medication. He appealed to all to keep their surroundings clean and dry and also to follow measures to control the spread of Dengue.

All schools and colleges of Diphu are closed due to summer break and this has provided a respite to the authority from imposing closure of educational institutions to stop Dengue outbreak among children.

Assam Mission Directorate officials have already vested affected areas in Karbi Anglong to take stock of the situation and provide the necessary support to the district team to control the outbreak.”The situation in Karbi Anglong is under close watch and all preventive measures are being taken to combat the situation,” a National Health Mission statement said.