44 cases of dengue detected in Meghalaya; Health Minister urges public not to panic, necessary steps taken

Newmai News Network

Shillong: Meghalaya has registered over 44 cases of dengue and one death during the past few days, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said today. 

“The dengue cases that have been indicated in the entire state of Meghalaya are predominantly present in the plain belt of the Garo Hills region as of today,” Lyngdoh said. 

She informed that the 44 cases were detected after 139 fever cases were tested from October 3 till October 12.

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“On Thursday, 7 persons were tested of which only two positive cases were indicated. We also lost one soul due to brain haemorrhage caused by dengue,” Lyngdoh added. 

To a question, the minister said that the deceased was a male patient and was symptomatic as he was suffering from a very high fever.

Stating that the Health department is taking steps to contain dengue, she said, “We are able to contain as whoever contacted dengue has been given the correct protocol treatment as required.”

“We are taking necessary steps; in fact, we are engaging actively with the municipal board and with block development officers to ensure necessary combat is immediately rolled out,” Lyngdoh said while adding “We are procuring some more kits as districts are indicating requirements for additional kits. Therefore, the department is already on the job.”

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Urging the public not to panic, the minister said, “Do not be unnecessarily alarmed but as citizens, we must remember that we must take necessary precautions. SOPs have already been indicated in the common dengue areas and the only thing is if you have a prolonged fever for many days kindly go to the nearest facility. It could be a PHC, CHC, sub-divisional hospital or it could be a tertiary care centre like a civil hospital in various parts of the state.” 

She further maintained that the department does not anticipate that cases will grow and said, “We are already alerting all districts on the SOPs to be followed including communities, darbars and municipal boards, BDO officials, medical block officials to immediately swing into action where cases have been indicated.”

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She said that the recommended protocol of treatment is already followed and it seems that cases have reduced as of yesterday.