Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs High-level Meeting To Review Dengue Situation
As India witnesses a spike in Dengue, a viral infection, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday, September 27 chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation in the nation. Preparedness of the public health system for prevention, containment and management of Dengue was also the point of discussion in the crucial meeting.
“Reviewed the Dengue situation and preparedness of the public health system for prevention, containment and management of the disease given the recent spike in cases of Dengue. Urged States/UTs to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Centre for Prevention and Containment of Dengue,” posted Mandaviya on social media platform X.
He further remarked that the Centre has provided “all necessary support” to the states for screening kits and also “financial support” for fogging and IEC activities.
“…Have directed officials to be fully geared up and strengthen prevention, containment and management measures for Dengue,” he added.
The situation in Delhi and West Bengal worsens
Over 3,000 cases of dengue and one fatality attributed to the disease have been recorded in the national capital over the past six months, revealed official data from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The MCD further highlighted that the number of cases reported in September marks the ‘highest’ in the last four years. However, it’s important to note that the civic body did not provide a breakdown of the data on a month-by-month basis.
In West Bengal, Child specialist Dr Apurba Ghosh told news agency PTI that he was receiving reports of at least six to seven positive cases daily at the city-based Institute of Child Health (ICH).
“We are having fluctuating dengue numbers this year. But the severity is unlike previous years. The death rate is low as people are going for early tests helping us to treat patients before it is too late. I will not call this an alarming situation,” Dr Mitra said.
However, the leading doctors of the state termed the dengue situation in West Bengal as ‘quite alarming’ and that the vector-borne disease this year is not that severe compared to previous years.
The experts said they hope the situation will improve soon as the disease has already peaked.
“The situation is alarming. But its severity is not like in previous years. Cases are high because people are testing. Most of the cases are getting cured at home,” child specialist Dr Apurba Ghosh told PTI.
Have a balanced diet, stay away from Dengue
This mosquito-spread disease can be very frightening so beware. Although there is no particular prescription to cure it, a balanced diet can be quite important for healing. Some foods can help fight dengue by boosting your immune system and promoting platelet synthesis, according to a recent HealthifyMe article. What to consume and what to stay away from are listed below:
Dengue prevention diet includes vitamin-rich foods and hydration.
Avoid caffeine, spicy, and fatty foods during dengue recovery.
Vitamin C rich foods
Vitamin C, known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, is vital in the battle against dengue. To ensure an adequate intake, incorporate green leafy vegetables and fruits like oranges, lemons, papaya, pineapple, or pomegranate juice into your diet.
Vitamin K rich foods
Boosting your platelet count is essential during dengue, and vitamin K is key in achieving this. Include foods like sprouts, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables to enhance your platelet production.
