PANAJI
A surge witnessed in neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra has cast the spectre of dengue wide on Goa and health officials have admitted an alarming rise in "suspected cases" prompting them to scale up symptom treatment across the State.
Dr Kalpana Mahatme who heads the National Vector Borne Disease Control programme for the Directorate of Health Services said, the virus is active although "confirmed cases" are lower than the corresponding figures of last year.
Last week's upsurge of 'suspected' dengue cases in Candolim where the PHC there was full of patients involved migrants and people who traveled to Goa from outside, Mahatme said, adding that with the upsurge in Karnataka and Maharashtra, there is a need to be cautious.
"If severe symptoms like vomiting with no retention of food and fluid intake, severe abdominal pain or skin rash persists, you should consult a doctor and not self medicate," Dr Mahatme said.
She said, rapid test kits (antigen card tests) are now easily available and people are using them in greater numbers. The results however show positive outcomes, even if the tested patient has a flu.
"That's why the numbers of 'suspected cases' are rising. We however do not count these cases. We only take into account valid ELISA test results," Dr Mahatme said, adding that four government hospitals have been designated to conduct these.
GMCH, Bambolim, Asilo Hospital in Mapusa, South Goa District Hospital and the Chilcalim Cottage Hospital have been designated as 'sentinel surveillance centres' for dengue where this ELISA-based tests are conducted, she added.
"Flu cases are also rising, which is causing the confusion. However we are very cautious and begin our treatment protocols wherever 'suspected cases' are detected," Mahatme said.
"There is no direct medication to cure dengue. The disease has to be managed by treating the symptoms and boosting general immunity," Dr Mahatme said, adding that it is crucial that doctors are consulted instead of resorting to self-medication whenever symptoms persist.
"There were 30 confirmed cases in July, much below the 47 Goa had in the same month last year," Mahatme said, adding that compilation of the statistic for August is still not complete.
Mahatme also said that preventive action is key and sought community participation to keep a check on mosquito breeding in homes and the surroundings.
Just last week, ten cases of suspected dengue had been reported at two health centres in Ponda. While the Ponda health centre had recorded 7 suspected cases of dengue, the Shiroda Primary Health Centre had reported 3 cases.
In Calangute, the panchayat had decided to conduct free dengue tests after a surge in dengue cases were reported.
The number of dengue patients in Bardez had increased even as a 30-year woman from Candolim died of suspected dengue.
