Bengaluru: The State’s National vector borne disease control department clearly states that a total of 241 positive dengue cases out of 271 suspected cases have been reported in the city since January. With rains lashing the city intermittently further adding to the BBMP’s woes, the city has witnessed 33 new cases in almost a month’s time. Victoria Hospital is witnessing three cases on an average every month and has witnessed around 81 dengue cases since January. “Some reports are pending, hence we cannot declare them as dengue cases,” says an official from Victoria hospital adding that the hospital has witnessed only one dengue death.
Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health admits some ten dengue cases everyday. “Clinically we have witnessed 928 suspected cases since January of which 395 were positive dengue cases,” says Dr Premalatha, director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. Some 161 positive dengue cases have been reported by BBMP so far and even though these numbers show a sharp increase, BBMP seems to be adopting a lackadaisical approach to the problem and has constantly failed to curb the outbreak of the disease. “BBMP has taken note of the crisis and has appointed Dr Naveen as the new Project Coordinator under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme,” informs Dr Manoranjan Hegde, chief nodal officer of BBMP’s mosquito control programme.
Speaking about control and preventive measures Dr Manoranjan said: “We have allotted some 3 to 6 gangmen dedicated to monitor the affected areas and carry out spraying. We also have four link workers per ward for every core area who not only educate people about the measures to prevent an outbreak but also help in reducing the risk in that particular area.” BBMP has also engaged power sprayers in some constituencies. “We have two vehicle mounted power sprayers which will be driven to the site and will spray larvacide,” says Dr Manjoranjan asserting that BBMP is keeping the outbreak under check by employing these measures.
“BBMP should spend their resources on destroying the breeding places because that is the source of the problem. Spraying and fumigation can only bring temporary relief. Educating people in this regard has not been comprehensive,” says Dr Devadass PK, Director cum Dean, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI). Government hospitals as well as private hospitals are witnessing a huge number of dengue cases every week but BBMP continues to maintain that systems and checks are in place.
“There has been a huge increase in the number of viral or dengue like illnesses in the recent past and many hospitals including ours are witnessing a rise in cases. “This issue certainly needs to be addressed and pursued more aggressively,” adds Dr Sudarshan Ballal MD, Medical Director & Chairman Medical Advisory Board, Director Manipal Institute of Nephrology & Urology, Manipal Health Enterprises.
