Alert to check dengue in Bihar

Patna, Oct 4 (UNI) Following reports of symptoms of dengue in some patients undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Biharsharif in Nalanda district, the government today alerted the health machinery to prevent its spread.

Bihar Health commissioner Deepak Kumar said here that steps had been taken to check its spread. He said arrangements for treatment of the afflicted at all medical college hospitals had been made and facilities were being provided there for tests to detect the disease.

Mr Kumar said the health and urban development departments had decided to jointly launch public awareness campaign to inform the people about the preventive measures.

He said directives had been issued to clear heaps of garbage lying around and pump out water clogged in ditches and on roads, lanes and other residential areas. ''People have been advised to use mosquito nets and they should keep their surroundings clean,'' he added.

Mr Kumar said pesticides were being sprinkled in water logged areas.

According to reports from Biharsharif, two people undergoing treatment at a private hospital had symptoms of dengue while another case was confirmed. Dr Sujeet Kumar said 40-year-old Suresh Prasad was ill for the last 20 days and dengue was confirmed after necessary tests. The blood samples of two other patients had also been sent for the test.

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