Punjab: 8-member team reviews dengue outbreak

Ludhiana, Nov 4: An eight-member Central medical team reviewed the sudden spurt of dengue cases in Punjab on Tuesday, Nov 4. Punjab has reported at least 3000 cases of dengue fever of which 2000 are from Ludhiana District alone. About 15 persons are reported to have died of the fever so far.

A team of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) that conducted surveillance drive in the city said although the district is taking measures to check the growth of dengue cases in the city, they would provide all possible help wherever required.

"We have come to access the situation in Ludhiana as to why so many dengue cases have been reported. The district health authorities as well as state authorities are undertaking preventive measures. If there are any gaps or more technical inputs are required, we will give them guidance," said Kalpana Barua, head of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) accredits rapid transportation, industrialization, movement of infected human populations and mosquitoes and the changing ecology of facilitating Dengue.

Dengue is an unusually dangerous strain of tropical fever and the female mosquito Aedes Aegypti, which usually breeds in stagnant but fresh water, spreads the virus.

There is no vaccine as yet for the dengue fever characterised by severe muscle and joint pains, high fever and acute headaches. It's most virulent form can cause internal bleeding and even death.

Also called backbone fever, dengue runs its course in six to seven days.

ANI