Fear grips as memories of 2005 Dengue outbreak come alive

Kolkata, Jun 28 (UNI) Fear of Dengue stalk residents of South Kolkata, even as state authorities claimed that the situation was 'under control'.

A week ago two Dengue related cases had been reported, but fear looms large over the locals as last year's memories still remain afresh in everyone's mind. Nine people had died of the deadly water-borne disease.

The residents alleged that the administration had failed to undertake fumigation and medical tests, the steps necessary to prevent an outbreak. Many also blame it on the high-rises in the area, as the pools of rainwater in these construction sites are not cleared.

The blame game is on as those concerned with the construction sites accuse the Kolkata Municipal Corporation workers of not picking up the garbage regularly.

Meanwhile,West Bengal Health Minister Suryakanta Mishra yesterday categorically denied any dengue-related deaths in the state.

Drawing attention to the preventive steps taken to stop the further spread of the disease, the Health Minister informed that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the state Health department had already launched a massive public awareness campaign besides a cleaning drive.

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