‘Come winter, dengue menace will subside’

PATNA: “Lack of sanitation and awareness has aggravated the problem,” says Bihar principal secretary (health) Sanjay Kumar when asked about the 984 confirmed cases of dengue across the state, including 660 in Patna district alone. Excerpts from an interview with S M Shahbaz:
Q1 Dengue seems to be taking the form of a menace in Bihar...

Since the first reported case of dengue in Bihar in 2013, the mosquito-borne disease has largely remained confined to urban areas. It spreads due to accumulation of water in urban clusters, which provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes. As per our assessment, rural areas are comparatively less affected.

Q2 Why most cases are detected in Patna?

Patna has registered the maximum number of dengue cases as it hosts maximum migration. A number of dengue patients arrived in the state capital during the festive season. Lack of sanitation and awareness has aggravated the problem.

Q3 What preventive measures has been taken by the health department?

We initiated an awareness drive at railway stations and organized dengue-diagnosis camp in Patna Medical College and Hospital recently. We have also provided stocks of malathion to the Patna Municipal Corporation for mosquito control. Besides all medical college hospitals have been asked to notify dengue cases. We want to assure people that the state health department is taking every possible measure to check its spread.

Q4 How many people died of dengue?

We conducted audit of five to six suspected dengue deaths in Patna. The media reported them as dengue deaths, but we found none of these deaths was caused by dengue. In Bihar, any fever is equated with dengue, which creates panic. Only 15-20% of the people suffering from fever were actually found to be dengue patients in confirmatory tests conducted by medical college hospitals.

Q5 Will awareness help?

Awareness is crucial. People must know that suspected dengue patients should undergo ELISA test at any of the seven medical college hospitals for confirmation. If people become aware, they won’t be duped by vested interests.

Q6 Will the incidence of dengue subside in winter?

Yes. It will gradually subside with the onset of winter.