Team Herald
MARGAO: Surjit Rohidas, a labourer hailing from Odisha, died due to suspected dengue at Cutbona jetty, in Salcete taluka. Rohidas had displayed dengue-like symptoms prior to his death. The Cuncolim police on Monday registered a case of unnatural death, pending further investigation.
Goa’s largest fishing hub, the Cutbona jetty in Salcete, is once again grappling with a dengue outbreak, raising concerns among local residents. The situation has escalated with one suspected death and seven confirmed cases, primarily affecting migrant workers employed as crew members on mechanised fishing vessels.
Earlier on Monday, the Health Department officials confirmed that there were a total of seven dengue cases among the fishing crew members. Six cases were initially detected last week, with an additional case identified on Monday.
While the six cases were members of a crew on a boat, the seventh case was found near an ice plant at the jetty. The affected workers have been admitted to the Balli Primary Health Centre (PHC), with one patient already discharged while others continue to receive treatment and would be discharged as and when they recover.
Furthermore, in response to the outbreak, the health department has intensified its efforts and have sent a dedicated team to the jetty to carry out preventive measures and testing as well.
The recent bad weather has resulted in many boats being anchored, allowing for an increased pool of workers to be screened.
This outbreak marks the return of dengue to the Cutbona jetty after a decade, triggering panic and anxiety among local residents. Unlike past occurrences, the current outbreak appears to be restricted to the fishing jetty and has not spread to the adjoining residential area.
Facing limited manpower, the Balli PHC Health Officer has enlisted the help of the Margao Urban Health Centre (UHC) to join in the massive operation at the jetty. Officials from the Directorate of Fisheries have also participated in the anti-larvae operation.
Velim panchayat officials have noted that the cases are currently confined to the fishing jetty, with no reported cases in the adjoining residential locality. They are working in coordination with the health team, which has conducted drives to check breeding sites in the Cutbona ward.
Health department officials have assured that the situation is under control, with close monitoring and maintained vigilance at the jetty. Given the large number of migrant workers at the site, screening procedures are in place for new arrivals from their respective States.
As the health department continues its efforts to contain the outbreak, the public in general has been advised to remain vigilant and follow the prescribed health guidelines to prevent the spread of dengue.