Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 18

In what can be termed a huge sigh of relief for the Health Department, Patiala district has not reported even a single dengue case in this season. Earlier, dengue larvae were detected at 2,348 places in the district.

Officials of the Health Department said they had already inspected 2.87 lakh households in the city and detected larvae at 2,348 places during the current season.

The Health Department and Municipal Corporation (MC) issued 23 challans against repeated offenders, officials added. They had been conducting continuous awareness campaigns for the community participation in the fight against dengue, said officials.

Dr Sumeet Singh, the district epidemiologist, said some suspected patients had already been reported. However, none had tested positive for dengue, he added.

As many as 167 suspected patients were tested for dengue in the district so far, he said. “So far, the situation is under control in the district. Efforts are being made to keep the district safe from dengue,” he added.

When asked about low testing he said, “I have already asked medical officers to increase testing for dengue. Doctors have informed that only a few patients with dengue-like symptoms have reported at the OPDs. However, we have asked to test everyone for dengue, who has similar symptoms.”