Dengue cases on the rise in Vizag; children in the city need to be alert

With the change of season and frequent rains in the city, Vizag has begun reporting an increase in the number of dengue cases, especially among children. In the last few weeks, the government and private hospitals in the city have been admitting a high number of patients with dengue symptoms. According to health officials, it has been observed that children are having symptoms of fever, vomiting, stomach pain and skin rashes. With their sample testing negative, doctors say that most of these cases are dengue febrile fevers being reported in children. In a day, at least 7-to 8 cases are being reported at the paediatric ward in King George Hospital (KGH). In critical cases of fever, children’s lungs and liver are reportedly being affected. 

According to the District Malaria Officer, Y. Mani, a total of 296 dengue cases have so far been reported this year, whereas the number was 112 in the first week of August 2021. It is being noted that the number of dengue cases has doubled this year, with a majority of cases being reported in urban areas, presenting a worrisome situation. Taking note of this rise in dengue cases, King George Hospital in Vizag has allocated Rajendra Prasad Ward and Bhavnagar Ward as special wards for dengue treatment. This year, district health officials also added four dengue centres at Anakapalle, Narsipatnam, Araku and Paderu hospitals along with one at KGH. Recently, a dengue research centre was announced to be set up in Vizag by Andhra Medical College (AMC).

Keeping in view the rise in seasonal fevers like dengue, the GVMC has instructed its staff and volunteers to identify breeding points in Vizag and eradicate them. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that can act as hosts for illnesses such as malaria, filaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Every household is being educated on avoiding stagnated water grounds in their surrounding areas. All of them have been asked to follow a Dry Day every Friday to keep their surroundings clean and hygienic.