PANJIM: In a disconcerting update, the state of Goa has witnessed a worrisome surge in dengue cases, with a total of 152 confirmed cases and a staggering 4,511 suspected cases reported during the months of August and September 2023. This sudden spike in dengue cases has ignited significant health concerns across the state.
Throughout the year, the Goa Medical College (GMC) has sadly reported a total of 16 dengue-related fatalities, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Dr Sadhna Shetye, a healthcare expert, has stressed the utmost importance of maintaining cleanliness and practicing good hygiene to curtail the spread of Dengue. She earnestly appealed to individuals who may be experiencing dengue symptoms or fever to prioritize their well-being by promptly seeking testing or medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
Recognizing the signs early and receiving appropriate medical care are pivotal in effectively managing dengue and averting its severe consequences.
Dengue cases decline: CANDOLIM PHC
CALANGUTE: The number of dengue cases in the Calangute-Candolim coastal belt has declined, according to the Candolim primary health centre (PHC) medical officer Dr Vidya Parab. “There have been around 60-70 cases so far, but the actual confirmed dengue cases are on the decline,” she told reporters on Friday.
Explaining the steps taken by the PHC to check the vector borne diseases, she said the high number of cases reported in recent weeks is due to construction workers coming from other states. “There are a lot of construction workers coming from other states where malaria is endemic, people who don’t even have symptoms, but they’re the carriers of malaria and dengue. As per our guidelines ,we have to get all of them tested. This is done to all workers including hotel staff. Some test positive,” she said.
The migrant workers are compulsorily tested for malaria and dengue because they have to make health cards. She said initially they conduct the NS1 test. “If someone tests positive in NS1, then we send it for a confirmation test, but most confirmation cases are very less,” she said.
However, Dr Parab said even with the NS1 positive report, they take action and health staff visit the residence and surroundings to ensure there is no stagnant water and to also conduct fogging, adding that the actual confirmed dengue cases are on the decline. “Now the number of cases has decreased,” she added.
Following panic over a large number of dengue cases in Calangute, the Calangute panchayat started a consultation and testing facility for villagers on September 1. Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said on Friday that the panchayat has till date conducted 453 tests and 115 tested positive. “We cannot blame the health department for dengue cases. We have been creating awareness about stagnant water, but it is up to the people to look after their health. People are also panicking and are afraid to come out of their houses. So the panchayat started consultation and testing for whoever wants to come. Some go to the PHC, GMC, and private hospitals,” he said.
He said besides testing, the VP is also providing free medicines for those testing positive. “The panchayat has spent Rs 1.8 lakh so far and we have made a budgetary provision of Rs 10 lakh,” he said.
