Odisha govt says all steps taken to tackle swine flu, dengue

With eight people dying of swine flu and two others due to dengue in Odisha, the state government today said all necessary steps have been taken to tackle the situation and there is no need to panic.

"The situation is completely under control and there is no need to panic. Most of the swine flu cases in Odisha happen to be migration cases as the disease is reported in some other parts of the country too," Health Secretary P K Meherda said.

A review meeting was held here to take stock of the situation following spread of the two diseases in the state.
 

Emphasising on the need to make people aware of the disease, Meherda said the government is taking all possible steps to deal with the situation arising out of swine flu as well as dengue. Necessary measures are also being taken to create awareness among the public.

While swine flu has so far claimed the lives of eight people, two others have fallen prey to dengue, Meherda said. More than 100 people have been affected by swine flu, while around 370 people are suffering from dengue.

He said vaccinations are now being given only to doctors and other para medical staff engaged in the handling of swine flu patients. People were advised not to take vaccines without consulting doctors.

Regarding dengue, the health secretary said 370 people have been tested positive to the disease which has claimed the lives of two persons so far this year. Most of the patients have come from outside the state, he said.

Around 70 per cent of the dengue cases this year have contracted infection from other states, said Meherda.

Sources said that highest number of dengue cases was reported from Bhadrak district. Around 47 people have so far tested positive for the disease. Many of the patients have come from places like Mumbai, Surat and Bengaluru.

The health secretary had earlier inspected the SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack and Capital Hospital at Bhubaneswar to see the arrangements made for patients.

Officials said steps have also been taken for purchase of necessary equipment, ventilators and other gadgets for proper functioning of special wards for treatment of swine flu patients.