PANJIM: A total of 303 confirmed cases of dengue have been reported in the State from January to September this year as against 309 cases reported during the same period last year. In North Goa, doctors are on their toes attending to many patients with such viral infections. The influx of migrants from neighbouring states reporting with fever and testing positive is also alarming.
According to data provided by the national vector-borne disease control programme (NVBDCP) cell of Directorate of Health Services, in September, as many 100 cases were reported in North Goa district while, 13 in the South Goa district.
In South Goa, five cases were reported in Vasco, two each in Margao, Canacona and Loutolim and one each , in Cortalim and Navelim.
In North Goa district, 3 cases were reported in Panjim, 28 in Mapusa, 6 in Pernem, 8 in Candolim, 5 in Aldona, 5 in Bicholim, 2 in Valpoi, 4 in Casarvanem, 5 in Siolim, 7 inColvale, 9 in Sankhali, 4 in Porvorim, 3 in Mayem, 2 in Chimbel and 9 cases in Saligao.
Directorate of Health Services National Vector Borne Disease Control health officer Dr Kalpana Mahatme said, in Mapusa, most cases were reported from Karaswada and border areas between Mapusa and Colvale.
“The reason behind more cases in Mapusa is that people coming from other States with fever test positive. However, now the dengue cases will start decreasing further as the monsoon is coming to an end. Last year, the monsoon began early and ended early while this year the monsoon was delayed and it is yet to end. That is why the cases in October are high. By October 15, the cases will come down,” Dr Mahatme said.
Regarding the 16 deaths reported due to suspected cases of dengue in the State, Dr Mahatme said she would hold a meeting either in the last week of this month or in the first week of next month to ascertain whether the deaths were only due to dengue or some other ailments.
“As per Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), 16 people died due to suspected cases of dengue. We have asked the GMCH to give us papers. Some papers we have received while some are yet to come. I will have a meeting at the end of this month or first week of November. Till then data related to dengue cases are being collected and analysed. As of now all the deaths are being considered due to suspected cases of dengue,” Dr Mahatme said.
