Dengue tightens grip in city, experts cite high day temperature, humidity
Cases of dengue are on the rise in the city. Around 245 cases have been recorded by the Health Department to date this season.
The Director, Health Services, Dr Suman Singh, explained how the symptoms of viral fever and dengue are similar as patients’ platelet count drops in both cases. She said, “Around 65-70 people are being sampled every day in Chandigarh. Not all are positive with dengue, some also have viral fever.”
The demand for platelets has increased alarmingly. “We have formed groups of regular blood donors and engaged with them to get all help. The demand has increased but there’s no shortage. We have regular donors from the Police Department. Around 20 voluntary donors help us keep things under control every day,” she added.
At the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, 3,189 people had been tested for dengue from October 16 to November 8. Of them, 1,126 were found positive. Earlier, of 5,604 persons tested from September 1 to October 15, 1,108 tested positive.
While the cases touched the 1,100-mark in 45 days in the previous months, the figure was breached in just 25 days of October and November.
This is just the GMCH-32 record. Then there are free testing centres at the GMSH, Sector 16, and the PGI. Many people get themselves tested at private laboratories and hospitals. People from other states also visit these major hospitals of the city.
Members in almost every household have suffered from dengue. Archit, who hails from Zirakpur, had to undergo platelet transfusion because he was to get married next day. His platelet count had gone below 30,000 due to dengue.
October and November are the last of the months when aedes aegypti mosquito continues to exist. This dengue-causing mosquito thrives in humidity and high temperature. Dr Varsha Gupta, Head of Microbiology Department, GMCH-32, said, “While we witness a rise in the number of positive dengue cases, it should also be taken into account that the period when these mosquitoes are active has considerably shifted. Earlier, the cases of dengue used to appear as soon as in July. With changing climatic conditions, longer summers and delayed monsoon this year, the first of the cases of the dengue season were reported at the end of August. The cases peaked in the end of October. The number will continue to rise as we approach mid-November. But with a drop of 5-10 degrees in the daytime temperature in coming weeks, the number of positive cases will also decrease.”
Dr Suman Singh said, “There is a need to be more cautious till next week. There has been a slight decrease in the day temperature in the past two days. As soon as the day temperature decreases or it rains, the day will also become cooler. Along with this, the risk of dengue will also decrease.”
She has also issued an advisory urging residents to observe every Saturday as “Dry Day” to help mitigate the spread of dengue. On that day, families, societies and institutions can find time to clean and dry all water containers.
Three platelet machines at GMSH-16
The blood bank at the GMSH-16 has three machines, which separate blood into various components such as plasma, platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. Donor lists are maintained and NGOs as well as police personnel are always on back-up for blood donation in case of a crisis. Dengue wards have been set up in major hospitals of the city.
Free testing facility
Two tests, NS1 and IgM ELISA, for dengue are done free of cost at the GMSH-16, GMCH-32 and PGI. Free testing for malaria is also available at all malaria units in AAM (Ayushman Arogya Mandir), Civil Hospital and GMSH-16. People can file complaints regarding spray, fogging and other related issues at dengue helpline (7626002036).
