Patna: Dengue cases are once again increasing in Bihar, with fresh patients being reported every day in Patna and other towns. The health department has now put the entire state on alert and has started preparations to deal with the situation. Officials said that the main aim is to make sure that people receive treatment on time and that preventive measures are taken to stop the spread of the disease.
A state-wide campaign has been launched to spread awareness about dengue. Civil surgeons and medical officers in every district have been asked to educate the public using social media, newspapers, posters and pamphlets. People are being told about the dangers of dengue, its symptoms and the ways it can be prevented. The health department has said that it is important for citizens to avoid waterlogging around their homes, as stagnant water is the main breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Anti-larvae spraying has also been planned in all areas where waterlogging is a problem.
The department has further instructed district officials to carry out fogging in vulnerable areas. For this, fogging machines and malathion, a chemical used to kill mosquitoes, are being supplied in large numbers. Authorities believe that by combining awareness with strong action on the ground, the number of dengue cases can be brought under control.
Along with prevention, the health department has also focused on treatment facilities. Orders have been issued to reserve beds in hospitals across Bihar. Medical College Hospitals have been told to keep 30 beds ready for dengue patients. In Sadar Hospitals and Subdivision Hospitals, five beds each will be set aside, while Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres will keep two beds each. These measures are expected to prevent a shortage of beds if cases continue to rise.
