Gelegphu Central Regional Referral Hospital (CRRH) recorded a total of 10 malaria cases starting from April month and four Dengue fever cases starting 2nd July to date.
According to the Medical Superintendent of Gelegphu CRRH, the progress in curbing malaria and dengue cases in the Dzongkhag has reached a new level with only a handful of cases reported this year compared to the over 300 cases detected last year during this time of the year. He said they are constantly keeping a close eye on the situation to make sure that this doesn’t turn into an uncontrollable outbreak.
All the cases have recovered except for two dengue cases. The patients are still admitted in the hospital mainly for the purpose of preventing the spread of the virus to their family and community. Medical Superintendent Dorji Tshering said the two dengue cases are not that serious and don’t meet the criteria for admission and management inside the hospital. They are kept under observation to monitor further as they are the first dengue cases this year.
“We want to ensure that we don’t infect other mosquitoes through them because they will be carrying the virus. If other mosquitos get infected from them then there are high risks that these infected mosquitoes can spread it to other members of the community,” said Dorji Tshering, the Medical Superintendent of Gelegphu CRRH.
The doctor said there is a high risk of more number of Dengue and Malaria cases in coming days because of early monsoon season. He said people should maintain their surroundings clean, cover the stored water in bucket and drums to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and change indoor water containers like refrigerator pan and flower vases. The Malaria and Dengue Prevention Task Force of Gelegphu Thromde is also creating public awareness and prevention to keep Malaria and Dengue at bay.
Gelegphu CRRH receives patients from six Central Dzongkhag.
Karma Wangdi