With the dengue and viral fever going rampant in the district, the demand for goat milk and Kiwi fruit has risen. People are heading towards villages and slum colonies in Tibdi area, ready to shell out any amount to fetch a pail of goat milk.

The steep fall in the number of blood platelets in a person affected by dengue makes his near ones run for these two items which are supposed to increase the blood platelet count. In tune with the rising demand, their prices are spiraling in the  markets, making them almost  out of bounds for the common people.

A resident of Vikas Colony of Haridwar, found buying   kiwi fruit from a vendor at Ranipur More, Mitali said, “After much  persuasion, the vendor finally agreed to sell  me Kiwi fruits at `35 per piece. Goat milk costs `700 to `1,000 per kg. I am buying just 50 ml daily to give to my brother who is afflicted with dengue. Things  are difficult. We all know that   fruits and diet are more beneficial for one affected by dengue or viral fever as they provide energy to the patients than  medicines which just help control the  fever.” Being rich in Vitamin C, Kiwi acts as a food substitute because just 100 grams of the fruit gives 250 calories. 

The situation is still alarming in Haridwar district  in  terms of Dengue affliction as till date 365 patients have been confirmed  as Elisa test positive. Every day 25-30 patients of suspected Dengue are being reported in the district. In Roorkee, four cops deputed in Bhagwanpur block have shown symptoms of Dengue, said sources.