Three months since the first dengue outbreak in Phuentshogling, the situation in the town is finally returning to normalcy. Phuentshogling hospital recorded over three thousand positive dengue cases this time and is the highest in the country.
From over 70 dengue cases every Monday, now, the number of such cases reported at the Phuentshogling hospital for the day has reduced by more than a half.
The recent vector surveillance survey found that the dengue transmitting mosquitoes mostly breed indoor in flowerpots, barrel drums, buckets and refrigerators.
To keep the outbreak under control, the dungkhag health rapid response team has been carrying out indoor residual spraying, providing mosquito nets and awareness programmes will also be conducted through students.
Meanwhile, the thermal fogging, cleaning campaign and awareness have helped destroy the outdoor breeding sites.
According to the hospital, the health ministry is working on long-term strategies to remain prepared for such outbreaks. These include an operational plan for source reduction and destruction much ahead of the rainy season, capacity building on dengue management for health workers and strengthening early warning system, case investigation and reporting system among others.
From 2021, the thromde and dungkhag administration will also have a separate budget allocated to control dengue outbreak.
As of 3rd October, 4207 positive dengue cases were reported from across the country. Six deaths have also been reported due to dengue complication. The dengue season in Bhutan spans from April to November as the temperature during this period is optimum for the breeding of dengue mosquito.
Sonam Penjor
