Dengue cases in Lucknow touch 687; 41 new infections reported

The Dengue havoc continues in Lucknow— the city reported its second highest, single-day spike to 41 cases on Thursday. With this, the total number of Dengue cases in Lucknow now stands at 687.

Out of these 41 cases, 10 were reported in Chander Nagar, followed by 5 cases in Sarojini Nagar and four cases each in Indira Nagar, N.K. Road, and Turiyaganj. The remaining cases have been reported at Aishbagh and Mohanlalganj, among a few other areas.

Four out of the 41 new reported cases are currently in critical condition and are being treated at Lokbandhu Hospital.

Offering insights into the condition of these patients, Dr. Ajay Sankar Tripathi, Chief Medical Superintendent, Lokbandhu hospital, said, "Although the platelet count of four people who are admitted is low, there is no need for transfusion as of now. We are monitoring their condition closely. Others are stable and recuperating in their homes."

Keeping in mind the sudden spike in Dengue cases in Lucknow, CMOs at the Lucknow division have been directed to conduct regular chemicals against larvae at dengue-affected areas. So far, 28 sites have been identified with favourable conditions for Aedes aegypti breeding, which is the mosquito responsible for Dengue.

Furthermore, doctors have been asked to stay on high alert and continue door-to-door surveys, spreading awareness about the disease and its prevention. Additionally, dedicated desks will be set up at all government-run health facilities to provide care to patients with fever and other Dengue symptoms.

Dengue specifically spreads during the post-monsoon season, that is September, October and November, leading to a high number of cases of platelet deficiency and high fever. Considering that Dengue leads to very generic symptoms, people often mistake taking medicines on their own.

To clear the doubt around the use of medicines and other measures, Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director of LNJP Hospital, New Delhi advises avoiding the consumption of medicine, including, Brufen and Asprin as these drugs reduce the platelet count. Apart from this, other measures that can be used are as follows:

• Consult a doctor immediately, in case of high fever and weakness.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Do not allow water to accumulate anywhere in or around the house.

• Use mosquito nets and repellents.

• Wear full-sleeved shirts and cover the body as much as possible.