Eight die of dengue in Malappuram

MALAPPURAM: Even as several parts of district are grappling with fever menace, the death toll due to the dengue has risen to eight by Friday. The health department has swung into action after hundreds of people with dengue symptoms turned out at various hospitals seeking treatment. The outbreak of dengue has come as a blow to the health authorities who were struggling to curb the spread of deadly diphtheria and malaria in the district. They have reported eight cases of diphtheria and two malaria cases so far this year.

Figures with the authorities show that during the past month alone 274 persons with symptoms of the mosquito borne viral fever have visited various government hospitals in the district. 20 persons have been confirmed with the infection.  970 persons from 15 health blocks in the district have sought treatment for fever so far this year. Of which 97 cases have been confirmed with dengue infection. The number may go up further if one considers the statistics from the private hospitals.

A meeting convened by District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. K. Sakeena on Thursday had decided to beef up prevention drive to tackle the outbreak of communicable diseases during the monsoon season. Vector control measures have already been launched. Fogging was conducted in several places. Special dengue cell will start functioning at the district headquarters from Monday. Fever clinics will also be set up all the major hospitals. In the wake of people turning out in large numbers, the availability of physicians will be ensured and the working hours of the hospitals may be extended.