National Vector Borne Disease Control team visits Kolkata

A total of 894 persons have been detected as dengue positive cases in West Bengal from IGM and MacElisa tests, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said today.

"In addition 2777 cases were also detected by eight types of rapid card tests," Banerjee told reporters.

She was quoting a report submitted to the government by a team of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) which visited the dengue-affected areas in the metropolis.

The team in its report revealed that there was 'haphazard tests' in some private hospitals in the name of rapid dengue tests and there were instances of inaccurate reports, the Chief Minister said.

"In many cases wrong diagnosis may lead to deaths," she said.

She said that the central team which visited Howrah had revealed that a clinic run by the CPI(M) controlled Howrah Municipal Corporation was taking money for tests to determine dengue.

"How can this happen ? Those (CPI(M) who are criticising us, what they are doing ?" she asked.

She also took the Trinamool Congress run Kolkata Municipal Corporation to task for its handling of the situation.

"There was negligence on the part of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. From next year the drive in taking preventive steps will be undertaken in February," she said.
Banerjee also accused the CPI(M) of politicking over dengue.

"Do not do politics over the issue but co-operate with the government which is doing its best to cope with the situation," she said, adding that during Left Front rule 34 people died of dengue.

"But we did not blame anyone. I had myself set up 50 health camps to help dengue affected persons then," Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister said that the menace has been contained somewhat and underlined the do's and don'ts to combat the disease.

"There is no medicine as such for dengue. There is only symptomatic treatment. Saline and adequate rest are a must," she said.