Just when we thought that the number of dengue cases in Goa was on a steady decline, the confirmed cases reached 196 (until date), a tad shy of 198 in 2013. However, the good news is that there have been no fatalities due to dengue, yet.
This deadly disease has claimed a large number of lives across India, including the capital city Delhi, where the number of deaths has far overrun just the number of cases detected in Goa. The threat of dengue occurs every year, which intensifies around this time. For one, systems for awareness and precautions should be put in place in advance, especially considering the rural areas spread across the state where access to a hospital with proper treatment is not an easy option.
Goa has a large number of public health centres (PHCs) spread across the state but it is common knowledge that the medical infrastructure here is severely lacking. In light of diseases like dengue and the ever evolving mutations of other strains, this infrastructure needs a massive upgrade. The statements by doctors in Delhi that natural ‘solutions’ to increase platelet counts are not scientifically proven will only make matters worse when it comes to the non-existent cure.
The administration needs to put measures in place to curb breeding by working on batter sewerage systems, locating areas with the accumulation of water that could turn stagnant. There is also a need to increase fogging, which also helps in lowering breeding. If breeding is controlled, that’s a large part of the dengue problem taken care of.
There hasn’t yet been a fatality and for that we should be thankful. But, if measures are not put in place soon, things might change.
