<p>In a span of two weeks, 93 fresh cases have tested positive for dengue in Bangalore.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Of the 348 samples sent for testing, 233 tested positive for the fever since January.<br /><br />In a review meeting held on Wednesday, Health Commissioner V B Patil instructed the health department of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike to intensify dengue awareness through its various source reduction programmes, which include door-to-door visits by health workers to educate residents about the importance of keeping the surrounding clean and dry.<br /><br />Besides, fresh guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health on handling dengue cases will be circulated among all government and private hospitals, Patil said.<br /><br />He also instructed the Palike to direct private hospitals to share with the health department details of dengue cases available with them.<br /><br />The Health and Family Welfare department has also instructed the Palike to set up a laboratory to test suspected blood samples for dengue.<br /><br />A Palike official confirmed that a laboratory was on the anvil, but a place for the purpose had not been identified yet. He said blood samples would be put through ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests and the equipment was yet to be procured.<br /><br />State-wide update<br /><br />Of the 9,123 suspected cases and 6,164 blood samples collected, 2,062 tested positive for dengue since January. The health department has reported eight dengue deaths in the State – two each in Mysore and Chikmagalur and one each in Davangere, Shimoga, Belgaum and Haveri. The highest number of positive cases have been reported in Mysore followed by Bangalore City.<br /></p>
<p>In a span of two weeks, 93 fresh cases have tested positive for dengue in Bangalore.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Of the 348 samples sent for testing, 233 tested positive for the fever since January.<br /><br />In a review meeting held on Wednesday, Health Commissioner V B Patil instructed the health department of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike to intensify dengue awareness through its various source reduction programmes, which include door-to-door visits by health workers to educate residents about the importance of keeping the surrounding clean and dry.<br /><br />Besides, fresh guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health on handling dengue cases will be circulated among all government and private hospitals, Patil said.<br /><br />He also instructed the Palike to direct private hospitals to share with the health department details of dengue cases available with them.<br /><br />The Health and Family Welfare department has also instructed the Palike to set up a laboratory to test suspected blood samples for dengue.<br /><br />A Palike official confirmed that a laboratory was on the anvil, but a place for the purpose had not been identified yet. He said blood samples would be put through ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests and the equipment was yet to be procured.<br /><br />State-wide update<br /><br />Of the 9,123 suspected cases and 6,164 blood samples collected, 2,062 tested positive for dengue since January. The health department has reported eight dengue deaths in the State – two each in Mysore and Chikmagalur and one each in Davangere, Shimoga, Belgaum and Haveri. The highest number of positive cases have been reported in Mysore followed by Bangalore City.<br /></p>
