ITAHARI, June 15: After Dharan, dengue has spread to Itahari. A week ago, one person was found infected with dengue in Itahari, but now the number has reached six, with two more cases detected on Friday.
Dharan was recently declared 'dengue-affected zone' by the government. A special campaign that included raising awareness about the dengue carrier mosquito, fogging, searching and destroying mosquito eggs and larvae among other things, was launched to stop the spread of the disease. Locals in Itahari have also demanded that the authorities launch similar special campaign without delay.
Increasing dengue cases spreads fear
According to Ram Kumar Dhamala of Itahari District Hospital, dengue infected people in Itahari are receiving free treatment. "Dengue patients are getting free treatment. But the number of patients is growing," he said.
Deputy mayor of Itahari Sub Metropolis Laxmi Gautam meanwhile promised prompt action against the disease. "Because they took time to take action, dengue went out of control in Dharan. We have to learn from Dharan's mistakes. We will take appropriate action without delay," she said.
She informed that cleanliness and awareness campaigns are underway in all 20 wards of the metropolis. Schools, colleges and other public offices have been asked to take appropriate action. "We have been talking to all stakeholders. Awareness as well as prompt action is very important," Gautam said.
The metropolis has asked all schools to spare one period of 45 minutes to create awareness about dengue. "If the children are aware, they can make their families aware," said Gautam.
In Dharan, the number of dengue patients has already reached 540.
