The Hindu : New Delhi News : Dengue, swine flu cases up

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Saturday, Aug 21, 2010
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Dengue, swine flu cases up

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: With 26 new cases of dengue and 41 of swine flu, the Capital on Friday saw a sudden spurt in the twin menace. Two swine flu deaths, one each at Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital and Lohia Hospital, were also reported taking the grand total to 20 so far this season.

“Delhi has so far reported 348 cases of dengue, the highest during one season in four years, and 501 of swine flu. With the increased number of cases, the Delhi Government has intensified its drive against dengue and is seeking public assistance to help fight the two diseases by maintaining cleanliness,'' said Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia.

Stating that mass campaign and public participation was the only way to combat the twin menace, Prof. Walia said she along with health officials had been taking the rounds of various colonies of the Capital that have reported a large number of dengue cases this season.

Prof. Walia said officers in charge of GTB Hospital, Pant Hospital, JP Hospital, DDU Hospital, Ambedkar Hospital, Rao Tula Ram Hospital and Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital have been asked to ensure that there are adequate stocks in their blood banks.

In addition, platelet separator facilities are also available at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Sucheta Kriplani Hospital. “There is no shortage of platelets either in Delhi Government or private hospitals,'' said Prof. Walia.

Meanwhile, in view of the rash of complaints from South Delhi areas, the Malviya Nagar government hospital has been activated to attend to dengue patients round-the-clock.

“We are requesting residents' welfare associations to make announcements requesting people to maintain cleanliness in and around their houses. We will issue public notices and advertisements sensitising people about the ways to save themselves from dengue. People should not let water accumulate in and around their houses,'' said the Minister.

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