The population of mosquitoes and mosquito larvae in stagnant water bodies is increasing rapidly, causing a spike in dengue cases.
According to the Malaria Department, 10 teams have been deployed for dengue control, but fogging activities are limited, and anti-larval spraying in ponds and stagnant water areas is also being carried out. Despite this, the mosquito menace remains high, especially in low-lying areas.
Cases Rising Rapidly
SRN Hospital currently has a 25-bed isolation ward, where multiple patients showing dengue symptoms are being treated. Health department data reveal that in the past five months, 23 patients have tested positive for dengue. Presently, one confirmed dengue patient is admitted to the SRN Hospital, while three patients are awaiting test results.
Situation Inside the Hospital
Seven patients with dengue-like symptoms have been admitted to SRN Hospital. Samples from these patients have been sent for testing. If dengue is confirmed, this will further increase the number of active cases.
Shortage of Platelets
With the rise in dengue cases, there is a growing demand for platelets in hospitals. Health officials informed that the availability of platelets is limited, making treatment difficult. According to Dr. Vinod Tiwari, currently, the hospital has only 40 platelet units in stock.
Blood Bank in charge, Dr. Ashok Agrawal, informed that blood samples with 170 to 180 platelet counts are being separated daily to meet the demand. Currently, 12 units of random platelets and 10 units of single donor platelets are available.
Dr. Agrawal further said that the state government provides financial support for platelet separation. The process costs ₹300 per unit, which is being covered through government funding.
Patients are also being treated at the Tej Bahadur Sapru hospital, also known as Beli hospital. A large number of patients who are advised dengue test prefer to go to local labs despite the strain on their pocket. This is because of the unbearable crowd at the government-run hospitals in the city.
Besides, patients are being treated in massive numbers with symptoms of high fever and congestion. Before declaring a patient as dengue-infected, a blood test is mandatory. This has resulted in a huge rush as private labs in every nook and corner of this city.
One of the doctors said, It’s all because of the weather and mosquitoes. We can’t control the weather, but at least the mosquitoes and the civic authorities are a total failure in this field. He said patients were being advised to have plenty of fluids and refrain from taking chilled water, which worsens the congestion.
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