The New Indian Express 13.09.2010
The deadly duo of malaria and dengue
Health authorities in
As many as 30 persons died of viral fevers including several with dengue symptoms. The CPM floor leader in the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Ch Babu Rao said that over 30 deaths have occurred in the city due to malaria and dengue fevers in recent weeks. He said 1500 cases of malaria have been reported as per official records but the number could be many times more if cases reported to private hospitals and clinics are taken into account. Municipal health officials, however, deny that the situation is that grave.
However, it is unmistakable that when the problem was still in its initial stages, health officials failed to gear up for the situation. Now with the crisis assuming alarming proportions, officials are unable to curb the menace of mosquitoes having not taken up anti-larval operations in time. The situation is alarming in case of both malaria and dengue.
With government hospitals unable to tackle the dengue emergency, and people have been forced into the arms of the private hospitals, having to run from pillar to post to buy platelets at the cost of thousands of rupees. The VMC’s chief medical officer M S Raju expressed concern over the attitude of some private medical practitioners who are prescribing platelets even for viral fever.
VMC municipal corporation chief medical officer M S Raju explained the reasons for the double whammy from malaria and dengue
How many cases of malaria have been reported in Vijayawada this monsoon?
Some 252 since July compared to 813 during the same period last year.
How many deaths?
Ten deaths, including three dengue-related.
How many suspected dengue cases?
We’ve had as many as 40 cases of suspected dengue.
Which are the problem areas?
Several colonies on the outskirts of the city: New Rajarajeswaripet, Rajiv Nagar, Kandrika, where there are water bodies. Rain water has been stagnating at several vacant sites resulting in the breeding of mosquitoes.
How many medical camps have been organised so far?
30 medical camps have been set up including two mega camps.
What precautions have you taken to prevent the spread of diseases?
We have pressed into service 55 additional sanitation staff. We have taken up anti-larval operations in several colonies.
Is there a shortage of blood platelets in the city?
People need not worry. They should get admitted in government hospitals in time to prevent critical conditions.
What is your advice to people to prevent spread of diseases?
People should take bed rest and more fluids in case of high fever and should not go in for injections and antibiotics.
