Dimapur, 24 September (MTNews): In response to the recent upsurge in dengue cases in Dimapur, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Dimapur has provided reassurance to the public, emphasizing the need to remain calm and not succumb to panic.
Speaking to local media, the CMO clarified, “It’s crucial to understand that dengue is not currently classified as an epidemic as of now. While there has indeed been a noticeable increase in dengue cases this year compared to the previous year, our diagnostic process involves an initial rapid test, which must be confirmed through a more precise laser test.”
Elaborating on the testing procedure, the CMO explained that after the rapid tests, the results are subjected to a confirmatory test. According to the confirmatory test, approximately 14-20% of the cases are indeed confirmed as dengue-positive.
Regarding the unfortunate deaths attributed to dengue, the CMO pointed out that many of these cases lacked conclusive evidence linking them to dengue. She stressed the importance of closely monitoring patients’ blood platelet counts, as dengue can lead to a significant drop in platelet levels.
The CMO implored the public not to yield to excessive panic, assuring them that the current situation is being effectively managed. She also addressed the unprecedented demand for blood platelets, emphasizing that the platelet requirements can vary widely among patients, depending on their individual medical conditions. Thus, the number of platelets needed does not directly correlate with the number of patients.
In response to concerns about certain private clinics not adhering to established protocols, the CMO assured that they are in constant communication with these clinics and are actively encouraging them to adhere to the recommended procedures. Suspected cases that test positive are promptly reported to district hospitals, she said.
Furthermore, the CMO highlighted the spirit of cooperation among districts, affirming their readiness to assist other districts by collecting and testing samples if the need arises. Effective communication and coordination are being maintained to address the dengue situation efficiently, it was informed.