A retired police officer died of dengue here on Wednesday as the disease claimed the first life in the city this year.
The deceased Sudarsan Sethi (64) of Niladri Vihar, had co morbidities and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. He had complained of fever and headache on May 30 and had difficulty in breathing and tested positive for dengue on June 1. He was admitted to the hospital on June 2. He was shifted to an ICU as his condition deteriorated.
Now, the Damana, Niladri Vihar and Shree Vihar areas in the city have reported multiple cases of dengue during the last few days. Around ten persons residing in an apartment at Shree Vihar have tested positive for dengue. The number of dengue patients has increased in various hospitals of the city.
Residents of the areas alleged that the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is not taking adequate steps to tackle the situation. However, BMC Mayor Sulochana Das said the civic body is taking steps to prevent the spread of dengue.
People are being advised to clear stagnant water near their houses. Other measures like fogging, bush cutting and mosquito oil spraying are being carried out by the BMC, she said.