Dharmanagar reports 14 dengue cases, including BSF personnel and civilians. Health authorities intensify fogging, anti-larval drives, and awareness campaigns to prevent further spread. Residents urged to maintain hygiene, report symptoms promptly, and avoid stagnant water collection.
Health authorities in North Tripura are on high alert after 14 dengue cases were reported in Dharmanagar over the past few days, raising concerns about the potential spread of the vector-borne disease. The cases were first identified at a Border Security Force (BSF) Border Out Post (BOP) near Dharmanagar, where several troopers exhibited fever and other dengue-like symptoms, a senior health official confirmed on Thursday.
“It is suspected that some BSF personnel who recently returned from leave may have carried the virus. A few of them fell ill and were admitted to the district hospital, where tests confirmed dengue infection. Based on clinical symptoms, doctors anticipated the possibility of dengue even before test results arrived,” the official said.
Following the initial detection among the BSF personnel, the infection spread to a few local residents living in proximity to the BOP. “All 14 patients, including civilians and BSF personnel, have been treated and discharged. Their condition is stable. No fresh infection has been reported so far, but surveillance and testing have been intensified,” the official added.
Dengue in Non-Endemic Area
The detection of dengue in Dharmanagar marks a rare occurrence for the district, which has not reported cases of the disease in recent years. “The virus is not endemic here and is likely to have been introduced from outside. This is the first time such cases have been detected in this part of the district,” the health official said, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.
Health Measures and Public Awareness
In response to the outbreak, the district administration has launched extensive containment measures, including fogging drives and anti-larval spraying in the affected areas. Public awareness campaigns have also been initiated, urging residents to prevent mosquito breeding by keeping their surroundings clean and avoiding stagnant water collection.
“Public cooperation has been satisfactory so far. Residents have been sensitized to maintain hygiene and report early symptoms. We have appealed to the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience high fever, body ache, or rashes, and to avoid self-medication,” the official added.
Symptoms and Medical Advice
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that often presents with high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rashes, and in severe cases, bleeding tendencies. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial in preventing complications. Health authorities have advised people to remain vigilant, monitor symptoms, and report to medical facilities promptly.
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The administration’s swift response, combined with proactive public awareness, is expected to contain the outbreak. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with special attention to areas surrounding the BOP and other high-risk localities.
As dengue cases emerge in previously unaffected areas, authorities urge the public to stay informed, maintain cleanliness, and cooperate with preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
