Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Dengue prevention initiatives continue

GANGTOK, 24 Sept: As part of preventive measures being undertaken against the spread of dengue in the state, the Healthcare, Human Service and Family Welfare Department has constituted two teams to carry out fogging in East, South and West districts.
A press release informs that the teams have been continuously conducting fogging drives in Golitar, Lal Bazaar, Shantinagar, Sawney, Ralap Bageykhola, Bardang Sangkhola in Singtam areas and Mandi bazaar, IBM colony, Fatak line, hospital area, Chanatar in Rangpo under East Sikkim .
Another team is also carrying out fogging at Melli check post, Petrol Pump, Melli bazaar, Chalisey, PWD colony, Power colony, Beer Factory, Manpur, Jorethang, Namchi in South and Naya Bazaar, Sisney, Pipaley, JNV Rohtak, Baiguney in West district.
They have been conducting fogging in all suspected areas in the morning and evening followed by survey of dengue breeding areas at day time. Microbiology Department under STNM Hospital, State Surveillance Unit of Integrated Disease Surveillance Project [IDSP], NRHM and all PHCs have been asked to remain open during government holidays in order to provide service during any emergency situation.
Most positive dengue cases have been reported from Singtam and Rangpo areas which have been kept under strict monitoring, the release mentions. Golitar pocket of Singtam has been observed to be the main source of dengue transmission in the area which the department hopes to clear through inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation at various levels.
Till date, no serious case or death has been reported, the release states.
The cases reported have also been found to have been caused due to travel outside the state. In this regard, Mission Director, NRHM, Dr. PM Pradhan had a telephonic conversation with MD NRHM, West Bengal and talked about the transmission of dengue cases from border areas of West Bengal to Sikkim. MD West Bengal has assured that various preventive measures are being undertaken in the North Bengal region. In this regard, Mission Director Dr. Pradhan has appealed for active cooperation of UDHD and Sikkim Police.
Indicating that Gangtok is free from the risk of dengue as per the survey report of entomologist, Dr YD Chankapa, JD IDSP said that the total of 6 patients admitted with positive dengue cases in STNM Hospital had travelled outside the capital.
Sensitization workshop on dengue was also organized by IDSP on 18 September at STNM hospital which was attended by all ASHAs of urban areas and other health workers.
During the workshop the health workers were instructed to refer all fever patients to STNM for Dengue test and 25 ASHAs were directed to mobilize the community regarding hygiene and sanitation requirements along with recognizing symptoms related to dengue.
IEC activities are being undertaken at Schools, Panchayat Bhawan, ICDS center at all districts with active participation of the public.
Joint Director, Dr. P. Kothari and Deputy Director, Uden Bhutia of Urban Family Welfare Center had a series of meetings with Under Secretary, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Hawkers Association of Lall Bazaar, Greendale school staff, residents of Bhutia Basti, Development area about dengue and future action on 12 and 13 September.
They also visited Siliguri Taxi stand and distributed leaflets on dengue awareness. UFWC had also given a talk on dengue at Tadong Sr. Sec. School and Housing ICDS on 16 September where pamphlets were also distributed.
As per the suggestion of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the state Health Department would like to advise people to avoid unnecessary travelling and if so, to take the necessary precautions, the release adds.

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