VASCO
The port town and many parts of Mormugao have been hit by dengue, with a whopping 740 cases of suspected dengue recorded in two months.
These are only cases recorded at the government health centres and it is suspected that the actual count could be much higher, as many cases may have been tested and treated at private hospitals in and around Vasco, and other parts of the taluka.
Sources at the Chicalim Sub District Hospital told The Goan that there were over 350 suspected dengue cases reported in September, with testing done in the hospital itself. Vasco City alone contributed to around 150 cases.
“These figures include cases reported from the entire Mormugao taluka, including Vasco, Mormugao, Dabolim and Cortalim constituencies. The figures were around a staggering 390 in August and while cases may have declined marginally, the figure continues to be high,” said the source.
Maximum cases at Vasco UHC
The Vasco Urban Health Centre (UHC) recorded maximum cases from Vaddem and New Vaddem, while some cases were reported in Sada, Baina, Adarsh Nagar and other surrounding areas this month. Maximum cases were reported from Baina area in August.
In Cortalim constituency, maximum cases have been reported from Zuarinagar.
“Maximum cases reported this month have been treated while a few patients are presently undergoing treatment. Fortunately, there have been no deaths reported due to dengue in these last two months, though cases were high,” said the source.
“These are only figures that we have in our government health centres but there are many more cases that may have been tested and treated at private hospitals in and around Vasco, and other parts of the taluka. As such, the figure of suspected dengue in reality could be higher than the 350-figure from the Mormugao taluka officially recorded at the government hospitals,” said the source.
Major awareness drives
Meanwhile, the health department, including Vasco UHC, has been involved in a major drive to tackle the disease, as efforts are underway to clear stagnant water from different areas, conduct awareness drives and undertake fumigation operations in many areas.
