Four people have so far died of dengue while undergoing treatment in the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VSSIMSAR), Burla in Sambalpur district this year.
“While three died in the Dengue Ward, one died in the ICU,” informed Dr lK Singh, Nodal Officer for dengue treatment at the VSSIMSAR.
He also informed that new patients are still coming to the hospital from different parts of western region of the State and neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
“From August 18 to till date, 109 patients have been treated for dengue in this institute. But it is difficult to save the lives of those coming late with critical condition,” said Dr Singh.
However, he said that patients coming at the initial stage of the disease are getting completely cured. Out of the total 109 dengue suspect cases, only 14 found to be elisa positive, a confirmatory test for dengue, Dr Singh said.
A separate ward with 20 beds for dengue patients has been opened in the first floor of the Casualty Department with proper arrangements. Approximately 5-6 patients are coming for dengue treatment everyday, he informed.
He further informed that nine men and four women are currently undergoing in the Dengue Ward.
Those who have died so far in the VSSIMSAR are from Kalahandi, Deogarh, Bargarh and Balangir districts, the Nodal Officer informed.
It may be noted that 13 people had died of dengue at the VSSIMSAR in 2014.
“More awareness campaigns along with provision of free treatment will certainly help curb the menace as most of the patients coming to the VSSIMSAR belong to poor families,” opined Nihal Singh, a social worker.