With 70 fresh cases, Khammam remains dengue hotspot in state

KHAMMAM: Dengue fever is creating panic in Khammam district with as many as 70 new cases being identified since October 1. Totally, 524 cases have been reported this year in the district. With at least 23 people succumbing to the deadly disease in Bonkal mandal last year, people are demanding the government to take permanent measures to curb the problem. Dengue cases, officials claim, are spreading faster than other fevers. District’s medical and health department is yet to ascertain the reason for the rise. Most cases identified were from Maturipet, Nagulavoncha, Khammam rural and urban, MV Palem, Bonkal, Manchukonda and Mudigonda.

Out of fear, even people who have mild fever are visiting hospitals for diagnosis which costs a fortune. K Narayana, resident of Pallipadu village said, “I felt feverish and went to a private hospital. They made me take tests worth `5,000.” Some patients complained that they got no proper response in government hospitals and there was a shortage of beds. “Though people are suffering from just viral fevers, hospital managements are doing different tests and looting them,” claimed Municipal corporation counselor V Narasimha Rao in Khammam.

It is very unfortunate that though two medical teams from Hyderabad and Warangal visited dengue-affected areas twice so far, no action has been taken yet. One district level officer of medical and health department said reason for the spike was  lack of proper sanitation at homes.