Dengue fever claims 2 lives
Pema Tshewang, ThimphuAug 22, 2019
The recent outbreak of dengue fever has claimed the lives of two people. A man passed away at the National Referral Hospital yesterday from dengue fever after he returned from Phuentshogling. And a woman died from the disease in Phuentshogling hospital on 11thof this month.
The country recorded close to 1,500 dengue cases in 15 different hospitals including Basic Health Units (BHUs) in about two months time. According to a record with the health ministry, except Paro and Trashiyangtse, rests are reported in the Southern Districts. The first case was reported in Phuentshogling in early last month.
Phuentshogling hospital received the highest case with over 1,100 positive cases as of yesterday. On average, over 44 cases were reported almost daily since July 1.
An official from the health ministry said, despite vigorous interventions from the ministry, the cases still remain increasing in Phuentshogling. Gelegphu Central Regional Referral Hospital has received 70 cases and Dhosoom in Trashi Yangtse with 57 respectively.
Health officials say Dhosoom reported the outbreak of dengue for the first time. With 3 cases, Jomotsangkha Basic Health Unit has the least reported case so far.
With the increasing number of people coming for dengue fever tests, some hospitals are also faced with a shortage of dengue testing kits.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease and the symptoms are mild and high fever, severe headache, pain in the eyes, joint pains and rashes.
