An outbreak of Dengue fever has been reported in Phuentshogling. As per the records maintained with the Phuentshogling General Hospital, the number has increased significantly as compared to last year. On an average 13 cases are being reported in a month.
Not a single case was recorded last year.
The first dengue fever case was reported in April this year and as of now the figure stands at 83 cases. However, no death due to the disease has been reported.
According to the health officials, the prolonged rainy season this year could be one of the possible reasons for the increasing number of cases.
The humid condition, according to the GDMO of Phuentshogling Hospital, Dr. Sonam Jamtsho, is favourable for breeding of the mosquitoes.
[pullquote]Since it’s a peripheral hospital, we don’t have special test kits to confirm the diagnosis. So we just do the clinical diagnosis that is by looking at the symptoms and doing some blood tests and then assuming that it’s a dengue case.”
Dr. Sonam Jamtsho
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“Moreover, if we look around the town, there is poor drainage system and sanitation. So these are the possible reasons whereby it might cause epidemic dengue fever outbreak.”
He added that to prevent further outbreak of the fever, thermal fogging, in order to kill adult mosquitoes, has already been carried out.
On the hospital’s part, they carry out clinical diagnosis for patients with dengue fever-like symptoms.
If the figures keep on increasing, the hospital will be carrying out awareness programs in schools and the community.
Meanwhile, they advise the people to maintain proper sanitation in their surroundings and use mosquito nets and repellent as a preventive measure.
