Dengue cases rise, 110 in just a week in Ahmedabad

After Swine Flu fear, it's the dengue fever that has kick-started with whopping numbers. There are 110 cases in just a week. Interestingly, eight doctors at Civil Hospital Asarva and three doctors at VS Hospital have been diagnosed with dengue.

In a weekly health bulletin issued by the health department of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Monday, 150 cases of dengue have been reported till October 13. Also, for the same period, 200 cases have been reported for malaria, 45 cases for falciparum and one chikungunya.

"There is a sharp rise in vector-borne virus and waterborne diseases. Dengue usually erupts after the monsoon. The weather is conducive to vector-diseases," said Dr Bhavin Solanki, the in-charge medical officer of health, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.

"The days are hot and the nights are cold which is why there is also a rise in viral cases. We are detecting the cases by our foot soldiers in the fields like Asha workers and multi-purpose health workers. We are collecting blood samples and serums for further diagnose and treating patients. Along with that, we have focused on anti-larval and fogging activities," added Dr Solanki. Mayor Bijal Patel had called a meeting of officials of health, solid waste and hospital to know action plan to curb different diseases.

"We held a marathon meeting with the officials. I have suggested shifting the manpower to the most-affected areas. Also, we have found that open garbage is a major reason for concern. I have asked the solid waste department to make city garbage," added Patel.