Three suspected dengue cases discharged in Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 12 (UNI) The three suspected dengue cases, reported from Kashmir valley yesterday, were today discharged from the multi-speciality Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura here after their samples tested negative.

SKIMS Director Dr Sheikh Jalal told UNI that three boys, all students of New Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia, had come here to visit their family.

They were admitted to the SKIMS with mild fever yesterday.

''As the boys had come from Delhi, where dengue cases have already crossed the thousand mark, we took no chance and kept them under strict observation,'' he added.

Dr Jalal said their samples were sent for tests and the reports have come. ''The samples have tested negative and the boys are fit to be discharged from the SKIMS. They were suffering from mild fever which has now subsided,'' he added.

Dr Jalal said high class facilities were available in SKIMS for investigations and treatment of dengue patients. ''We are ready to cope up with any eventuality and meet all challenges as many people are expected to return to their homes in Kashmir in the coming days on Eid-ul-Fitr from dengue-affected areas in the country. We have all the facilities to treat dengue patients,'' he added.

Dr Jalal said they have requisitioned latest kits for treatment of dengue patients in SKIMS.

However, he said aedes mosquito spreads the dengue fever which prefers to breed in clean and stagnant water. ''The mosquito cannot possibly breed in Kashmir due to the cold climate. It needs 24 degree Celsius temperature to breed and at present the temperature in Kashmir is about 8-9 degree Celsius. It is thus unlikely that the mosquito can breed in the Valley,'' the SKIMS Director said.

UNI AG VD KP1712