10 cases of dengue in June first week in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Over 10 cases of dengue have been reported in the city hospitals following the first spell of rains. Usually, dengue is seen in the first week of July but this year due to the heavy rains in June, the vector-borne disease is being seen a month earlier.

Dr Faisal Nadhi, senior pediatrician at Rainbow Hospitals, said, “We have got a few patients which means that the GHMC must begin creating awareness among the people. The first few cases are an indication that the vector is active and measures require to be taken to control it.”

The dengue breeds in stagnant water in pots, air coolers and in open areas. These aspects require to be controlled and the drive by the GHMC officers must begin early as the monsoon has set early in the state.

Dr V. Surya, senior epidemiologist in the health department, said, “There are no confirmed cases registered with the health department. The tests conducted in our laboratories have not shown dengue.”

Come monsoon and there is always a clash between epidemiologists at the GHMC and health department and the pediatricians in the city.

While the medical fraternity insists on reporting the number of dengue cases, the officers usually state that they are trying to create a scare.

A senior pediatrician said, “Whenever we talk to health officers about the disease, the reaction is very volatile. They are not willing to accept it and always out with a defence. It is not that the private doctors want to create a scare in the city. Dengue is another seasonal disease in monsoon and a reality which must be accepted. For that they must work towards prevention and not indulge in blame game.”