Gandhinagar, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : In Gandhinagar, Gujarat, health officials are ramping up measures to combat dengue after cases were reported among personnel attending the National Unity Day Parade. Health Minister Praful Panseriya instructed local authorities on Tuesday to enhance fogging, monitor fevers, and implement larvicidal measures in temporary accommodations set up for the personnel.
The directive came during a high-level review meeting focused on vector-borne diseases. Since September 21, personnel from various states, including BSF, CRPF, and ITBP, have been arriving in Gandhinagar for the parade. They are currently housed in government accommodations in sectors 28 and 29.
According to the health department, stagnant water in the newly constructed housing has led to increased mosquito activity, resulting in reported dengue cases among the personnel. Those affected are receiving treatment at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, where the situation has prompted several admissions in recent days.
On October 2, the hospital confirmed dengue in 24 personnel over two days, while others are being monitored for fever and body aches. Fortunately, the condition of the patients is stable, and a public health team is conducting an epidemiological assessment.
Panseriya emphasized the need for intensive fogging, spraying of medications, and close monitoring of patients in the affected areas. He also mandated fever surveillance in both the personnel’s accommodations and the parade grounds, along with daily fogging and larvicidal campaigns.
To bolster health services, he directed that four health workers be stationed in each block of the government housing where personnel are staying. Additionally, he instructed officials to ensure that no water accumulates either inside or around the premises, and to promptly remove any stagnant water found.
The minister noted that no new cases of the Chandipura virus have been reported in Gujarat over the past two months. Since the first case was identified, health department teams have been actively working to prevent the virus’s spread.
Panseriya also highlighted a significant decrease in malaria and dengue cases in 2026 compared to the previous year, citing a 39.6% reduction in malaria and a 20.6% drop in dengue cases. This improvement is attributed to ongoing health department activities and awareness campaigns.
As of the 40th week of 2026, over 13.9 million blood samples have been tested statewide, revealing 1,401 malaria cases. Special diagnostic centers for dengue are operational in 42 hospitals affiliated with medical colleges.
Leave a Comment