Majority of viral cases in Firozabad are Dengue, few of Scrub Typhus & Leptospirosis

Lucknow, Sep 6 (UNI) The central team of experts has found that a majority of cases of viral fever and deaths among children in Firozabad are due to Dengue, a few cases of Scrub Typhus and Leptospirosis, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday.
The information was shared in a letter from the union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan written to the principal secretary (health), Uttar Pradesh.
Bhushan suggested a few containment measures to the state based on the observations made by the central team comprising experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).
“Activities related to fever survey, vector control and fever camps to continue as per micro plan submitted by the central team,” the health secretary also wrote in the letter.
“Surveillance to be strengthened with the implementation of Integrated Health Information Platform in the district in coordination with Central Surveillance Unit, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, NCDC,” the top recommendation from the union health ministry read.
“Entomological activities to be strengthened and continued as per standard guidelines and standard operating protocols of the NVBDCP. Isolation beds and admission facilities in the district hospital of Firozabad and neighbouring districts to be augmented,” it added.
Under the recommended measures, Bhushan asked the district administration to screen all patients with fever for dengue, malaria, scrub typhus and leptospirosis. The senior official also suggested the administration to “strengthen ELISA based testing facilities.”
Meanwhile, the NCDC deputed two officials in the district for the next 14 days to assist the district administration in strengthening its outbreak response, the health ministry said.
As per reports, as many as 105 patients of dengue and viral fever were admitted on Sunday at Firozabad’s government medical college. The hospital said that the death toll stands at 51 while over 450 patients are admitted to its various wards.
UNI ASH ASN