Collector stresses steps for tackling dengue in Odisha

ANGUL: In the wake of five dengue cases reported from the district so far in the current year, Angul Collector Anil Kumar Samal  has exhorted officials concerned to take comprehensive measures tackle the disease by initiating both radical and preventive steps.

He directed the officials to ensure that no deaths occur due  to the disease.  At a meeting of district officials held here on Saturday, the Collector laid stress on creating awareness among people on ways to ward off the disease by taking precautionary measures. He asked the officials to form special squads which would ensure cleanliness across the district particularly in the industrial areas which are vulnerable.

Samal also asked officials to make efforts for creating awareness across the district by distributing leaflets and by involving people from all walks of life in the process. He directed hospital authorities to create special wards to provide special care to patients suffering from the disease.

According to official sources, as many as 15 dengue cases were reported from the district in 2017 while in 2016, the number was 45 and in 2015, it was 56.  The last death reported from the district due to this disease was in 2014.

In 2011, the highest number of deaths due to dengue were reported from the district. It had then acquired the form of an epidemic at the Talcher industrial  belt.However much to the relief of authorities, not a single death has been reported in the last three years.