Sharp rise in suspected dengue cases in Puttur Taluk

The number of suspected dengue cases in Puttur Taluk has doubled in the last fifteen days. From January to July 5 of this year, a total of 177 suspected dengue cases have been reported, with 10 confirmed cases. Most of these cases have been identified in areas covered by Puttur City, Thingaladi, and Uppinangady Primary Health Centers.

In comparison, Puttur Taluk recorded 21 confirmed dengue cases in 2021, 7 cases in 2022, and 5 cases in 2023. Despite a declining trend over the past three years, the taluk has already confirmed 7 dengue cases before the end of July this year, indicating a significant rise in the severity of the disease.

The taluk hospital has seen a daily increase in the number of fever patients from 15-20 to 50-60 in the past fifteen days, according to Dr. Asha Jyothi Putturaya, Taluk Hospital Medical Officer. Despite having a 100-bed facility, the hospital lacks a dedicated ward for dengue patients, who are treated in the general ward alongside other fever patients. Currently, there are 5-6 new suspected dengue cases reported daily at the taluk hospital and 2-5 cases at primary health centers.

The absence of an ELISA test facility at the taluk hospital means blood samples must be sent to Mangalore for confirmation, resulting in a three-day wait for results. While initial card tests are performed, these cannot definitively confirm dengue. Accurate detection methods such as NS1 tests within the first five days of fever and IgM, IgA, and other tests thereafter are unavailable at government hospitals in the taluk, complicating immediate treatment.

The health department, under the guidance of ASHA workers, health assistants, and local bodies, has initiated fogging in various areas. However, these efforts have been disrupted by rain.

Residents have expressed frustration that primary health centers have not been adequately prepared for dengue despite recurring cases over the years. On average, more than 50 fever patients visit these centers daily. Suspected dengue patients are treated as outpatients and sent home in the evening when the centers close, causing difficulties for those who may need hospitalization later.

Many fever patients seek treatment at private hospitals, leading to a doubling of dengue and other fever cases. However, precise data from these hospitals are not submitted to the taluk hospital, making it difficult to track the exact number of dengue cases. It is estimated that over 500 dengue-related cases have been reported in both private and government hospitals in the past six months.

Dr. Deepak Rai, Taluk Health Officer, Puttur, confirmed that the taluk hospital admits dengue patients with platelet deficiency and provides necessary treatment. There is no current shortage of blood, and essential medications are available at primary and taluk hospitals.

The spike in suspected dengue cases in Puttur Taluk underscores the urgent need for better diagnostic facilities, improved preparedness at primary health centers, and more comprehensive data collection from private hospitals.