BHADERWAH/JAMMU, Sept 28: Doda has reported 52 dengue cases requiring hospitalisation, prompting civic authorities to intensify anti-larval spraying, fogging and awareness campaigns across Doda and Bhaderwah, officials said on Monday.
As part of a special preventive drive, teams of the Doda and Bhaderwah Municipal Committees have conducted door-to-door inspections over the past three days to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Officials said 52 people had been admitted to Government Medical College Hospital, Doda. Health Inspector of the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP), Liaqat Ali Zargar, said 52 people with severe dengue infection had been admitted to GMC Doda during the past seven days.
“The number may have risen today as fresh data will be issued only after samples of 90 people suspected to be infected with dengue undergo NS1 ELISA testing,” Zargar said.
Executive Officer of the Doda and Bhaderwah Municipal Committees, Ravi Saini, said six teams, three each in Doda and Bhaderwah, had been deployed for fogging and anti-larval spraying in vulnerable areas and locations reporting higher numbers of dengue cases.
Saini said nearly 239 mosquito breeding spots had been identified and destroyed on residential, religious and commercial premises till Monday morning.
The anti-dengue drive would continue until the situation was brought under control, he said.
Authorities have warned residents and commercial establishments where mosquito breeding sites are repeatedly detected that they could face penalties if such sites are found again.
Health authorities have also issued an advisory urging people to take preventive measures. Senior citizens and those with diabetes, hypertension, respiratory ailments and other comorbidities have been advised to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms develop or worsen. (Agencies)