PANJIM: The plush area of Dona Paula appears to be the new target of vector borne disease dengue, as six cases have been reported from here in the last few days. As per residents of Dona Paula, the six patients of the disease have been admitted in a private hospital.
Dr Anant Palyekar, Dy Director National Vector-borne disease programme, PHD-Goa, said though hospitals throughout Goa send a report daily, he has no specific information off hand about Dona Paula. “Today being Saturday, I would not be able to give you details. Yes there are quite a few cases but can’t quantify them now,” he said.
Adv Shailendra Bhobe, a resident of Dona Paula, in the vicinity of Manipal hospital, said he knows of at least five cases of dengue reported in his area, but nothing has been reported to make people aware of it. “People have to be made aware so that measures are taken to prevent the disease. In my locality itself there are about five cases and people have been admitted in a nearby hospital,” he stated.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said he is aware that there are quite a few dengue cases and his department is taking all measures required. “The department has been carrying out fogging but one thing people have to understand is that there is water stagnation near houses and this is a reason for mosquito breeding which has to be stopped. People have to understand their responsibility,” he said.
Rane said his department is continuously holding review meetings on the issue and has taken several important steps.
While residents refused to blame anyone for the outbreak, there were some who said that rampant construction and water stagnation in neighbouring Taleigao were reasons for the dengue cases.
Herald visited Dona Paula and neighbouring Taleigao to see the situation and what was witnessed was startling. The dump on Taleigao plateau has turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes as the rainwater has stagnated there. Sources said they had complained to the authorities but their requests had fallen on deaf ears.
On the garbage dump on Taleigao plateau, Rane said people have to bring this to the notice of the authorities. “We will immediately ask our officers to spray disinfectants and do fogging in the area,” he stated.
Herald also visited Goa Medical College and found there were about 10 dengue patients undergoing treatment on Saturday, besides several others were waiting for test reports.
The paediatric ward in GMC had three dengue patients while ward 139 had a single patient, ward 142 had three patients, wards 144, 145 and 147 had one each. Sources in the hospital said there were quite a few cases reported in the hospital.
On Friday seven cases of dengue had been reported from Vasco. Earlier, quite a few cases were reported from Mala, Panjim.
