Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Jul 3: Taniappa Kulal (44), a resident of Sediyapu in Kodimbady village in the taluk, died in a Mangalore hospital on Thursday July 2 of suspected dengue. He had been working as an auto rickshaw driver here, since the last 20 years.

Initially, he had been treated in a private hospital here. As his fever symptoms did not subside even after a week, he had been referred to Mangalore for advanced treatment. His family members believe, his death was caused due to dengue. With this, dengue has claimed two lives in the taluk.

In the meanwhile, a special counter has been opened at the local government hospital, specifically for catering to the patients with dengue symptoms, as per the instructions of the assistant commissioner here. The counter is at present, managed by a doctor for conducting medical check up of the patients who register themselves and a nurse.  Blood samples of the patients suspected to have contracted the disease, are being sent to the district health laboratory.

Out of 170 blood samples sent so far to the district headquarters from this government hospital, four have been diagnosed with dengue. Out of 369 samples sent for malarial test, six samples have turned positive.

From Uppinangady primary health centre limits, eight dengue cases have so far been reported and seven have since recovered.