Indian Health Minister Asks People to Take Preventive Steps As Dengue Cases Rise

Following a spurt in dengue cases in Delhi, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Thursday asked people to take preventive steps and also directed private hospitals to reserve beds for those suffering from the mosquito-borne disease.

Speaking to reporters after holding a two-hour-long high-level meet that was attended by both Delhi and central health officials, Azad said: "Delhi has seen a large number of cases, the situation in the other states is not as alarming."

About Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general information about Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Nearly 50 officials of the Delhi government as well as the union health ministry attended the meet.

Azad also asked people to take preventive steps, like cleaning water coolers and keeping water tanks covered.

He said the centre has asked private hospitals and nursing homes in the capital to reserve up to 10 beds for dengue patients.

About Mosquito Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, filaria, dengue, etc are common in places conducive of mosquito breeding. Swamps, ponds and stagnated drainage provide optimal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Azad assured people that there was no shortage of blood platelets and added that the Red Cross would supply blood to hospitals as and when it was required.

The health minister said it was also decided at the meeting to provide Accredited Social Health Workers (ASHAs) or health workers in rural areas with kits to test dengue.

Dengue and Dengue Fever - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Dengue is a tropical disease caused by mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, joint & muscle ache, fatigue, nausea and skin rash.

Nearly 1,400 dengue cases have been reported from the capital and adjoining areas. At least five people have died of dengue in Delhi.

Source-IANS

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Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by mosquito bites; it causes fever, severe joint pain and rash on the body. Chikungunya occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian sub continent.