Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi expresses concern over dengue outbreak in Assam

Written By: IANS | Updated : September 12, 2013 11:12 AM IST

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday expressed concern over the dengue outbreak in the state and instructed the health department to take the necessary steps to prevent its spread.

Gogoi held an urgent meeting and asked the officials to make people aware about the disease.

He said two people have already died in the state while several others were undergoing treatment in various hospitals. He asked the department to ensure people infected with the dengue virus receive proper treatment.

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'Public awareness is the most important to stop the disease,' said Gogoi while issuing instructions to go for regular fogging in all the 31 municipal wards of the city and across the state.

Earlier, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed to the people not to panic over reports of dengue outbreak in Assam, particularly in Guwahati.

'While two have died, 43 people who are suffering from dengue are admitted to different hospitals of the state,' said Sarma.

He, however, reiterated the situation was not alarming. 'Last year, over 900 people were detected with dengue in Assam. In other cities like Bangalore, dengue virus infects thousands every year,' he said.

The minister said besides Guwahati, cases have been reported from Tinsukia, Sonitpur, Barpeta and other places.

'Of the 43 confirmed cases, 35 are in Guwahati,' he said.

Also read: Assam dengue fever update: Three dead in Guwahati in last three days

What is dengue?

Dengue fever is a communicable disease and its symptoms include high fever for four to five days, usually accompanied by severe headache, pain in eyes, muscles and joints besides rashes. After the fever goes away, blood platelet count starts dipping. This is the most dangerous phase of the disease.

How to prevent dengue?

Here are a few simple and practical tips to keep dengue at bay:

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known to bite humans during the day and their most common breeding grounds are manmade containers. Therefore, it is advisable to not have any stagnant water around. Remember to clean out empty flower pots and not to over water potted plants. If the container that contains water cannot be emptied, remember to cover it well when not in use.
A natural method to keep mosquitos at bay is to plant tulsi near your window. The plant has properties that do not allow mosquitoes to breed.
Using camphor as a repellent also works wonders. Light camphor in a room and close all the doors and windows. Leave it this way for about fifteen to twenty minutes to have a mosquito free environment. (Read more: Prevent dengue with these 10 practical tips)

Dengue is a completely preventable condition; all you have to do is take a few steps to keep yourself and your family safe.

With inputs from IANS

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