Odisha- Bhubaneswar
Date: 16th August 2023
Bhubaneswar is currently grappling with an alarming surge in dengue cases, earning it the unfortunate title of the ‘dengue capital’ of the state. The city now accounts for approximately 65 percent of all dengue cases in the state and a staggering 90 percent in the Khurda district. As of August 3, out of a total of 1,154 reported cases in the state, a concerning 748 cases have been identified within the Bhubaneswar region alone. (Source.)
Surveillance teams have noticed an increase in COVID-19 cases in affluent areas, which has raised concerns. COVID 19 OR DENGUE?
During this surge, SOA Community Radio, based in Odisha-Bhubaneswar, has been actively involved in educating the community about necessary precautions to take. They have consistently organized awareness programs for the community, aiming to educate people about various health issues and how they can adopt healthier lifestyles.
Their popular program, ‘Jaga re Jaga,’ focuses on health-related topics, inviting experts from medical facilities to provide insights into the causes, symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment procedures for different health issues.
The rising number of dengue cases in Bhubaneswar, particularly in areas such as Jaydev Vihar, Maitri Vihar, Nayapalli, Old Town, Saheed Nagar, Sailashree Vihar, Satya Nagar, and Vani Vihar, has led to an increase in hotspots within the city.
Previously, there were three hotspots, but that number has now grown to nine, including Acharya Vihar, Bhimatangi, Chandrasekharpur, IRC village, Nayapalli, Pokhariput, and Satya Nagar. Surprisingly, dengue cases have emerged in affluent neighborhoods, such as Nayapalli, Acharya Vihar, Jayadev Vihar, Patia, Niladri Vihar, and Rasulgarh, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.
SOA Radio listener Padmashree Patnaik, a housewife residing in the upscale Lewis Road area, experienced body aches and a persistent fever, which she initially treated AT HOME BY POPPING IN A FEW Paracetamol TABLETS. But after listening to the special bulletins on causes and symptoms of Dengue, she consulted a doctor who recommended a Dengue test.
The diagnosis confirmed Dengue, and with appropriate medical care, Mrs. Patnaik gradually recovered. Her entire family was also infected but recovered without major complications.
Dengue is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is active during the daytime, with peak biting periods in the early morning and evening. It’s important to note that dengue cannot spread directly from person to person, but an infected individual can transmit the virus to other mosquitoes. Dengue typically progresses through three phases: febrile, critical, and convalescent. Preventive measures include eliminating potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, such as buckets, mugs, utensils, and garden pots, which should be kept dry or upside down.
In addition, it is advisable to maintain a dry environment within a 400-meter radius of residential areas. Other precautions include wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellent creams, and using mosquito nets while resting. Timely blood tests are recommended if fever persists for more than two days. Dengue symptoms include high fever, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, muscle and joint pain, and, in severe cases, bleeding. Treatment should commence promptly upon diagnosis, and patients should rest, stay hydrated, and follow prescribed medications.
