Dengue cases on the rise in Telangana

In the last one month, over 1,900 positive cases reported in State

Hyderabad: Urban centres in Telangana, especially areas under the GHMC, Rangareddy and Medchal districts, are witnessing a significant spike in dengue positive cases during the ongoing monsoon season.

In the last few weeks, Hyderabad has reported 450 dengue positive cases, which is the largest number of cases when compared to other districts. So far, in the last one month, over 1,900 positive dengue cases have been reported in Telangana.

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The Breteau Index (Bl), used to measure the population of Aedes aegypti mosquito for dengue virus transmission in an area, in Hyderabad is 46 percent, also the highest in the State.

To contain dengue cases, the health department is coordinating with GHMC to launch a massive fever survey and anti-larval measures in Hyderabad. All teaching hospitals in Hyderabad and districts will launch fever clinics for early diagnosis and treatment of dengue cases. “At present, dengue is still under control. However, public must take immediate precautions, so that it does not become an outbreak, which happened in 2019,” Director of Public Health (DPH) Dr G Srinivasa Rao on Wednesday said.

The government blood banks and local diagnostic centres under the T-Diagnostic initiative have enough stocks to conduct dengue tests. All the 24 government blood banks in the State are now equipped with special blood platelet separation machines, which are needed for blood transfusion.

“Symptoms of Covid and seasonal ailments are similar. I urge people not to get confused and remain under the impression that they have Covid. Dengue is life-threatening and it’s important to diagnose early so that it does not escalate into dengue haemorrhagic fever, which is fatal. They should visit the nearest government hospital for getting tested,” Dr Rao said.

The health official urged people to take precautions to curb breeding of Aedes mosquito. “The health, municipal and Panchayat departments are launching massive drives to curb mosquito breeding in Telangana. People on their part must ensure proper water management at their homes and immediate surrounding areas. Observing dry day once is very important,” he added.