Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS): More than 100 confirmed dengue patients have been admitted in hospitals in Siliguri town of West Bengal's Darjeeling district, the local legislator said Thursday. As many as 12 patients were hospitalised for suspected dengue.
"There are over a 100 confirmed dengue cases admitted now," said Rudranath Bhattacharya, the Trinamool Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Siliguri.
According to District Chief Medical Officer (Health) Subir Bhowmick, 12 patients were admitted Thursday at the Siliguri District Hospital, whereas 25 blood samples for dengue testing were sent to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital since Wednesday.
"Five of the samples tested positive for dengue," he said.
Around 700 suspected dengue cases have been reported in Darjeeling and adjoining Jalpaiguri district, while two have died.
"Confirmatory tests are being done. Three hundred of them are from Darjeeling and four hundred from Jalpaiguri," said a health official.
The patients were admitted in various hospitals and nursing homes in the region.
The local authorities have opened blood testing and awareness camps, while stressing on mosquito control and garbage clearance.
Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader and Siliguri municipal councillor Joy Chakraborty was one of those admitted as a suspected dengue patient.