PONDA: A 16-year-old Higher Secondary School student from Devrai-Khandola is suspected to have died from dengue infection.
Dr Sangeeta Keluskar, the medical officer in-charge of PHC Betki-Khandola, informed that on August 14, the minor boy was admitted to the casualty department at around noon. At that time, he had been experiencing fever for more than three days, along with vomiting and abdominal pain. He also presented a private lab test report from a doctor indicating a suspected dengue infection, with a platelet count of approximately 60,000, while his blood pressure was normal.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
A subsequent platelet test revealed a significantly low count of around 31,000 and without delay, the doctor on duty transferred the teenager to Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim. However, the boy passed away on the evening of August 15, while undergoing treatment at GMC. This incident has deeply shocked the local community.
Dr Keluskar advised that anyone experiencing a fever lasting more than two to three days should visit PHC Betki-Khandola, where immediate free tests are available to prevent the development of serious conditions.
While the health department conducts fogging in response to suspected cases, she stressed that it is vital for villagers to take proactive measures to clear stagnant rainwater and address septic tank leaks to mitigate health risks.
