Uttar Pradesh sounds dengue alert, says medicine stock good

Lucknow: After a sudden increase in the number of dengue cases in Uttar Pradesh, the state today directed all the chief medical officers to ensure measures to check spread of the disease. “I have directed the officials to remain alert and take necessary action to check spread of dengue and other vector borne diseases, which have seen increasing trend in past few weeks,” said Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Ahmad Hasan.[caption id=“attachment_1090371” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Dengue patients. PTI[/caption] Hasan said that besides awareness programmes, the department officials have been directed to ensure availability of medicines and timely tests of affected patients. “There is no shortage of medicines. Strict action will be taken against health officials if any complaint of laxity comes,” the minister said. Dengue has already affected more than 100 people, who are undergoing treatment in various hospitals including private ones in the state capital. The minister, however, said that the situation was under control. “We had undertaken a massive campaign to check the population of vectors in the city. But it is not easy for us to control the mosquito that causes dengue because it breeds in fresh water and at spots which are inside the homes. “Instead, people have to ensure their safety by keeping their homes clean,” Hasan said. PTI