Shillong, Oct 13: A total of 44 dengue cases have been detected in Meghalaya till date, this year, and one death has occurred due to the viral infection. The cases are predominantly present in the plain belt areas of the Garo Hills region.
According to Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, the citizens need not panic and that they have been able to contain it but necessary precautions should be taken. She advised the citizens to visit nearest testing centre if they have prolonged fever so that tests can be done and required treatment can be given.
On October 12, 7 tests were done out of which only 2 positive cases were detected.
The deceased is said to be a male patient from West Garo Hills and was brought to the hospital but died due to dengue. “We have also lost one soul due to brain haemorrhage due to dengue haemorrhagic fever,” Lyngdoh informed.
“We are able to contain the cases and whoever has contacted dengue has been given the correct treatment as required; we do not anticipate the cases will grow as indicated. We had 44 cases from October 3 till yesterday (October 12, 2023). Cases have occurred; it can be due to the floods and rain,” she further said.
The health department has alerted all districts to follow SOPs. It has also involved communities and dorbars and other stakeholders to contain the spread of the deadly viral infection. The medical block officers have been asked to swing into action where cases have been indicated.