Agartala: Tripura government has stepped up surveillance and put the health institution on high alert following a spike of dengue cases in the rural areas of the state, however, urged people not to panic instead, take precautions.
According to the report, 255 dengue cases have been detected as of the date in the state. As many as five districts of eight have been identified dengue affected while Unokoti district of North Tripura and Gomati district of South Tripura are the worst victims, which contributed about 70 per cent of the total cases.
The state surveillance officer Dr Deep Kumar Debbarma said all the health establishments were provided instant dengue testing kits for primary diagnosis of the suspected symptomatic patients besides, strengthening ground-level surveillance through health extension workers and community-level awareness campaigns.
“There is no need for panic, as the spread of dengue is still confined to certain pockets surrounded by thick jungle. Most of the affected people are labourers of rubber estates so far and some villages where mosquito menace is very high. However, the situation is not alarming yet, but needs precaution at all levels,” Dr Debbarma stated.
He revealed that Tripura had recorded 127 dengue cases in 2017, 100 in 2018, 109 in 2019 and the figure came down to 24 in 2020 when Covid-19 was rolling roast. In the last 10 days, out of 664 samples, as many as 161 were tested dengue positive.
The record of the last four months revealed that at least seven dengue cases were recorded on August, 20 in September, 58 cases were confirmed in October and 161 cases till yesterday. And, the department has launched aggressive screening across the state at institutional set-up.
Dr Debbarma pointed out day biter Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes spread dengue and advised people to reduce the exposure area of mosquito bites (at least by wearing a full-sleeve shirt and full pants) to stay away from the risk of dengue along with taking steps at the individual level to eradicate the breed ground of the mosquito.
