Nashik : As dengue cases rise in Nashik, the Nashik Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) health department has intensified anti-dengue measures across the city, detecting nearly 3,200 mosquito breeding spots on residential and commercial premises.
Nashik reported 45 dengue cases in Aug, while 51 cases were recorded during the first 20 days of Sept. The total dengue cases reported in the city since Jan 1 now stand at 151. 114 swine flu infections were reported between Sept 1 and 20., with the total swine flu cases since Jan 1 currently standing at 280, including 207 cases from Nashik city and 73 from rural parts of the district. So far, 11 deaths linked to swine flu have been reported, including three from the city and eight from rural areas.
A health official said hospitals have been directed to remain alert amid the seasonal rise in influenza-like illnesses during the monsoon. Health authorities have also stepped up preventive measures following an increase in swine flu cases since June, and special teams were deployed through Arogyavardhini centres and urban primary health centres, comprising of ASHA workers, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), multipurpose health workers, mosquito control staff and other field personnel. NMC has issued an advisory urging citizens to take preventive measures in view of the rising infections, with senior citizens and individuals suffering from diabetes, hypertension, respiratory illnesses and other comorbidities being advised to remain vigilant and seek medical attention in case of symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat or breathing difficulties. “People should not panic. Awareness and timely precautions are the best safeguards against swine flu. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or throat irritation should avoid self-medication and consult a doctor immediately,” the official added.