Doda (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 24 (ANI): Around seven dengue cases have so far been reported at Government Medical College (GMC) Doda, with health authorities closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary preventive measures across the district.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Doda, Dr Vinod Sharma, said that GMC Doda has adequate beds and isolation facilities and that the health department is fully prepared to handle any increase in dengue cases. He said the situation across the district is being continuously monitored and all necessary arrangements have been kept in place.
Dr Sharma said dengue cases are more commonly reported in areas where stagnant water and hot, humid conditions are present. He appealed to people to ensure that water does not accumulate around their homes and to properly dry areas where water has collected.
He advised people to regularly clean and change stored water and ensure that water is not allowed to remain stagnant for long periods. He clarified that people should also pay attention to the fridge tray kept outside at the lower side of the refrigerator, where water can accumulate. He further advised residents to regularly check flower pots, old tyres, water tanks, coolers and other containers that may store clean water.
Dr Sharma said that any container storing fresh or clean water for more than seven days should be emptied and cleaned at least once every week to prevent mosquito breeding.
The CMO urged people who develop a fever or other suspected symptoms to visit the nearest health facility without delay instead of ignoring the symptoms. He said areas where positive cases are reported are being monitored, and fogging is being carried out wherever required as part of preventive measures.
Consultant GMC Doda, Dr Govinder Kumar, said patients arriving at the hospital with suspected or confirmed dengue are being properly examined, treated with appropriate medicines and kept under regular observation. He said patients are receiving necessary treatment and care at the hospital.
Dr Kumar advised people to wear clothes that provide adequate coverage, maintain cleanliness around their surroundings and take precautions to prevent mosquito breeding. He also cautioned people against self-medication, particularly with medicines such as aspirin or other NSAIDs, when dengue is suspected, and advised them to consult a doctor.
He said dengue management is mainly supportive and patients should remain under medical supervision, with appropriate monitoring of hydration, blood counts and other clinical parameters as advised by doctors. He urged patients and their families to seek urgent medical attention if warning signs such as persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, increasing drowsiness or difficulty in maintaining oral fluid intake develop.
Dr Kumar said that most patients recover with timely diagnosis, adequate hydration, proper monitoring and appropriate supportive care, while patients showing warning signs require closer observation and medical management.
A patient undergoing treatment at GMC Doda said he initially developed a high fever and severe weakness, following which he visited the hospital and underwent testing. After his test came positive for dengue, he was admitted to GMC Doda for treatment.
The patient said he received proper treatment and regular monitoring at the hospital, with doctors visiting him regularly and checking his condition. He said he was feeling better and was being discharged after receiving treatment. He appealed to people not to panic but to seek timely medical attention if they develop a fever or other symptoms.
Health authorities have appealed to the public to remain alert, prevent stagnant water, maintain cleanliness and seek timely medical care in case of suspected dengue symptoms. They also urged people to cooperate with health teams and follow preventive measures to help control dengue in the district. (ANI)
J-K: Around 7 dengue cases reported at GMC Doda; Health dept fully prepared to handle any rise
