Berhampur: The rapid spread of dengue is posing serious concern among the residents of Ganjam district and it is a huge challenge to the healthcare personnel, sources said Tuesday. Currently 149 people in 21 blocks of Ganjam district and also within the Berhampur Municipal Corporation are down with dengue. Patrapur block has reported the highest number dengue cases with 33 persons including eight kids affected by the disease. Locals pointed out that many of those affected by the virus have come to Patrapur from outside the state and they are spreading the disease.
However, even then, the number of people infected this year is much lesser to the 333 cases reported last year. When contacted, chief district medical officer (CDMO) Dr Umashankar Mishra said even though the disease is spreading quickly, there has not been a single casualty due to the virus in the last nine years in Ganjam district. He also informed that a special ward has been set up on the first floor of the casualty department in MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment of dengue patients. The ward has been operational since August 17. Mishra stated that a team of doctors are treating dengue patients round the clock.