There have been no deaths in Chhattisgarh due to dengue although more than 300 positive cases have been reported, the government said on Monday.

Dr Subash Mishra, Director (Epidemic), said enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) test prescribed by the Centre is considered the lone test to confirm dengue cases.

He told The Pioneer that Raipur has 317 positive cases, Durg 27 while one or two cases have been reported in other districts.

In four cases in Raipur, an audit did not confirm death due to dengue but due to comorbidity. In two cases, the samples were not tested. But the private hospital had stated that dengue was one of the reasons for the death, he added.

“The Health Department cannot deny death as each death has to be recorded as part of a control and prevention strategy to be adopted across the state to control the epidemic. Based on the cases and death, the strategy is planned,” he emphasised.

Dr Mishra said that efforts of the Raipur Municipal Corporation, the Health Department and the cooperation of the public were yielding results. Earlier, 20-25 cases were reported daily in Raipur and now this had fallen to 4-5 cases.

Raipur Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Meera Baghel on Monday denied any death due to dengue in the Chhattisgarh capital.

The Health Department has made all arrangements to treat dengue patients. The surveillance work has been undertaken in all the 18 Primary Health Centres of Raipur city. All the hospitals have been provided dengue testing kits.