PANAJI
The sudden spike in dengue cases last month and the suspected dengue-related death reported in Candolim, led to a scare among the locals along the Calangute-Candolim coastal belt but statistics tell a different story.
The number of confirmed dengue cases reported this year in Candolim primary health centre (PHC) is far less than the cases that were reported last year. Candolim PHC is catering to five villages “ Calangute, Candolim, Nerul, Reis Magos and Arpora.
According to information provided by the Directorate of Health Service (national vector-borne diseases control programme), Candolim PHC reported 190 confirmed dengue cases from January to August this year while the number of confirmed cases for the same period last year stood at 250.
While the DHS was not able to provide the data for the month of September, incharge of the national vector-borne diseases control programme in Goa Dr Kalpana Mahatme informed that the number of cases was dwindling.
“Although Candolim PHC along with Vasco, Cortalim and Chimbel is considered as hotspots, the situation is much better now. The cases are coming down. The health officers and the field staff are doing all they can. What we need is public support,” Dr Mahatme said.
Testing initiative
Incidentally, the Calangute panchayat has conducting separate testing of patients.
The dengue testing initiative started by the Calangute panchayat also added to the dengue scare in the village.
Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said 114 patients tested positive at the testing facility provided by the panchayat till Friday (September 29).
The free testing facility provided by the Calangute panchayat screened 453 residents thus far through the rapid test kits.
The health department, however, considers dengue as a confirmed case if the ELISA test comes positive.
“I cannot comment about the initiative of the panchayat. We also do not know what tests they are doing. But our health centre in Candolim is well-equipped and conducts all the tests. All our other activities like visiting the affected places, fogging, awareness campaigns, etc are going on,” Dr Mahatme said.
Community support
“What we need is more community support. People should empty all the receptacles, coconut shells, tyres, etc of water,” she added.
The Calangute Sarpanch also sought people’s help to rid dengue from the beach village.
