Dengue claims 10 lives

Kadapa: The failure of the municipal administration in maintaining proper sanitation has resulted in dengue fever claiming as many as 10
lives in the recent past. The latest victim was eighth-month old S Nipun Reddy of Nagendra Nagar in Prodhuturu town who died on
Tuesday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Another 15 people, including five children, are undergoing treatment at various
private hospitals.

Incidentally, of the 10 fatalities, five belonged to Nagendra Nagar area. Sources say that there are many cases which go unreported.
Dengue is characterised by a significant decline in the ‘platelet-count’ of the body. Meanwhile, more than 5,000 persons suffering from
water-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are being treated at various hospitals.

Twenty per cent of these cases have been referred to Kurnool, Hyderabad and Chennai which could turn to be fatal for the patients as the
recommendation to shift the patients are usually made at the last minute following deterioration in their condition. However, Medical
&Health Department officials say that all deaths are not dengue-related. District Medical & Health Officer Dr V Rami Reddy said the ‘Strip
method’ being followed in private hospitals to diagnose the fever was incorrect and said the ‘Elisa method’ available at Rajiv Gandhi
Institute of Medical Science (RGIMS), Kadapa, was the only authentic test.