Gogoi expresses concern over dengue outbreak

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Saturday expressed concern over the dengue outbreak in the state and instructed the health department to take the necessary steps to prevent its spread.

Gogoi held an urgent meeting and asked the officials to make people aware about the disease.

He said two people have already died in the state while several others were undergoing treatment in various hospitals. He asked the department to ensure people infected with the dengue virus receive proper treatment.

"Public awareness is the most important to stop the disease," said Gogoi while issuing instructions to go for regular fogging in all the 31 municipal wards of the city and across the state.

Earlier, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed to the people not to panic over reports of dengue outbreak in Assam, particularly in Guwahati.

"While two have died, 43 people who are suffering from dengue are admitted to different hospitals of the state," said Sarma.

He, however, reiterated the situation was not alarming. "Last year, over 900 people were detected with dengue in Assam. In other cities like Bangalore, dengue virus infects thousands every year," he said.

The minister said besides Guwahati, cases have been reported from Tinsukia, Sonitpur, Barpeta and other places.

"Of the 43 confirmed cases, 35 are in Guwahati," he said.