Odisha dengue cases climb to 1,520

Odisha Wednesday confirmed one more dengue case in the  state, taking the total number of those infected to 1,520; the dengue toll this year is six.

A man tested positive Tuesday in Khordha district. With this, the number of people who have tested positive for dengue in the state this year stands at 1,520, joint director of the state health department M.M. Pradhan told IANS.

The state has so far reported six deaths this year. Among the dead was a medical student who died during treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar last week, Pradhan said.

While only one case was reported Tuesday, a day before that, 15 cases were reported, Pradhan said.  At least 33 people were killed, mostly in the Talcher area of Angul district, by the viral disease last year.

This year, the government had taken preventive measures. The number of deaths have declined this year, compared to last, Pradhan said, adding that the number of patients reported from Talcher area this year has been "negligible".