In response to reports of dengue cases emerging in certain areas, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha convened a crucial meeting with officials from the Health department to assess the situation and devise appropriate measures. The Chief Minister emphasized that the Health department is actively overseeing the situation and has already initiated necessary steps to curb further spread.
Mayor Dipak Majumder, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Health Secretary Dr. Debashis Basu, and other key officials were present during the meeting, where the dengue situation was thoroughly reviewed.
In a subsequent tweet, Chief Minister Dr. Saha addressed the public, stating, “Instances of dengue transmission have been reported from several locations, including Dhanpur, in recent days. Today, I chaired a meeting with Health department officials at the secretariat’s conference hall to assess the situation. Rest assured, we are closely monitoring the scenario. There’s no cause for concern; the Health department has taken comprehensive measures to curtail further transmission.”
After the meeting, Health Secretary Dr. Debashis Basu spoke to the media, outlining the proactive steps taken to prevent the dengue outbreak from escalating. Currently, the state has recorded a total of 157 dengue cases, with 35 patients admitted at GBP Hospital. Specialized medical teams have been dispatched to the affected areas, armed with necessary resources and expertise.
Dr. Basu also indicated that the initial cases of dengue were reported from Dhanpur since July 13, potentially stemming from cases migrating from neighboring Bangladesh. The Health department remains committed to tackling the situation head-on.
Regarding resources, Dr. Basu assured reporters that the state possesses ample supplies, including over 1500 ELISA kits, an essential tool for diagnosing dengue. Additional funds of Rs. 2 lakh have been allocated from NHM (National Health Mission) to bolster the production of ELISA kits. Dr. Basu emphasized that the Health department maintains sufficient stock of required items.
To heighten public awareness, ongoing campaigns are underway, while measures like fogging and declaring an upcoming Sunday as a dry day to eliminate stored water have been put into action. Additionally, it was revealed that a patient with Japanese Encephalitis is currently under treatment at TMC hospital.
Dr. Tapan Majumder, Head of Microbiology Department at AGMC, reassured citizens that the strain of dengue detected in the state does not raise significant concerns. However, he urged vigilance and advised individuals displaying symptoms to promptly seek medical attention.
Dr. Sankar Chakraborty, MS of GBP Hospital, affirmed that dedicated treatment is being provided to dengue patients within a designated ward at the hospital. Notably, among the patients currently admitted at GBP Hospital, two are pregnant women. Dr. Arunabha Dasgupta, a medicine specialist, highlighted the key symptoms of dengue to help the public remain informed and alert.
As the state takes comprehensive measures to manage the dengue situation, citizens are encouraged to stay informed, take precautions, and seek medical care when necessary.
