In a span of two weeks, 93 fresh cases have tested positive for dengue in Bangalore.
Of the 348 samples sent for testing, 233 tested positive for the fever since January.
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.
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.
He also instructed the Palike to direct private hospitals to share with the health department details of dengue cases available with them.
The Health and Family Welfare department has also instructed the Palike to set up a laboratory to test suspected blood samples for dengue.
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.
State-wide update
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.