7 deaths, 31 suspected dengue cases found in 2011

7 deaths, 31 suspected dengue cases found in 2011 October 10, 2011 By DC Correspondent Ongole Dengue and other viral fevers are on rise in Prakasam district for the last few days. According to district medical and health officials, 31 suspected dengue cases were identified apart from seven deaths this year. Dengue and other viral fevers are on rise in Prakasam district for the last few days. According to district medical and health officials, 31 suspected dengue cases were identified apart from seven deaths this year. Villagers of Jangamguntla of Cumbam mandal, Chetticherla village of Bestavaripeta mandal, Nakkabokkalapadu village of Ballikurva mandal, Sainagar of Vetapalem, Chimakurti and other areas are hit by dengue and other viral fevers. Medical and health officials have conducted medical camps in these villages to treat the ill. Last month, the health department conducted a “7 am” programme to bring about awareness on how to contain epidemics, but to no avail. Apart from RIMS hospital in Ongole, there is no government hospital in the district to diagnose dengue, thus forcing people to go to private hospitals, paying high fees. Adding to the woes, there are 44 vacant medical officers’ posts in the district with no response from government despite the demand for filling these from several MLAs. Officials say that no one is coming forward to work in rural areas. Speaking to this newspaper here on Sunday, district medical and health officer, Dr K. Sudhakarbabu, said that unhygienic conditions, impure water, stagnant garbage and mosquitoes were the causes for fevers. He added that they had asked panchayat and revenue officials to take steps to keep villages clean, but to no avail. Admitting the identification of 31 positive dengue cases in the district, Dr Sudhakarbabu appealed to people to be hygienic.