While the government and the people are worried about the swine flu, Chikungunya and dengue have increased substantially in the city. A man fell prey to dengue on Friday.
Dr Gayathri, Chief Health Officer of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) said that there are at least 450 patients of chikungunya while 86 people are suffering from dengue. The latest figures are yet to come.
“We are keeping a close watch on the situation and are doing all our best to control the spread of chikungunya and dengue,” said Gayathri.
The major cause of worry for the BBMP is that it is coming at a time when H1N1 virus is fast taking the City into its grip. The rainy season is further aggravating the breeding of mosquitoes besides the garbage heaps across the City.
Worrying factor
Another worrying factor for the BBMP is that the cases of chikungunya and dengue are not reported from specific areas but are scattered and sporadic.
The Special Commissioner (Health) of the BBMP, Maheshwar Rao said, “We have started fogging in the areas along with anti-larva drive. We are also identifying places where water is stagnant and are draining it out,” said Rao.
Don’t turn away patients, directs CM
Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday said 46 private hospitals in the State have been asked not to let any patient go without treatment if they approach them.
Addressing a press briefing on the epidemic outbreak, the CM said government is taking all the measures to contain the swine flu and there is no need for the people to panic.
“I had a meeting with the prominent private hospitals of the State and they have agreed to extend their support in checking the spread of the flu. Many hospitals in the City have cured the swine flu patients successfully,” he said.
The CM said that the State has enough quantity of Tamiflu tablets and the private hospitals have also been supplied enough tablets to give it free of cost to the patients. He added that the State has the capacity to test at least 200 patients a day while the rush is too high.
The Chief Secretary clarified that the treatment cannot be free of cost in private hospitals and nursing homes except the Tamiflu tablet which is supplied to them by the government for free distribution.