The state reported the first dengue casualty when Godfrey Fernandes, 6, of Calangute succumbed to the disease Thursday morning while undergoing treatment at the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim.
Deepak Kababi, official in charge of the vector borne diseases cell in the state Directorate of Health Services (DHS) said, "This is the first case of dengue death in the state."
Details of the first dengue case
On Tuesday, Godfrey was admitted to a private hospital in Mapusa with fever, acute pain in the abdomen
and vomiting. Since the condition of the boy was critical the authorities sent his blood samples for a rapid test.
The test indicated symptoms of dengue shock syndrome and the child was immediately shifted to the Goa Medical College on Wednesday evening. However, he succumbed to the ailment on Thursday morning.
Deepak Kabadi, said, "Clinically, the child died of what is known as the dengue shock syndrome (complicated dengue fever). We have sent the blood samples for microbiological examination and the report is awaited. Once we get the report then only will be able to call it a confirmed case of dengue death."
Dengue death a cause for concern
Although the health department gave assurance that dengue was under control, the demise of the child from the disease is a cause for concern.
The state has registered 49 people who have tested positive for dengue in Goa. Health officials in the city added, "This year, we have seen an increase of 10 to 15% in dengue cases."
The health authorities attribute the unprecedented outbreak of the disease to the migrants, who reside in unhygienic condition in shanties.
Nearly two million visitors flock to the popular Calangute beach, the hub of tourism in Goa during the peak season beginning from October.
“We are doing our best to monitor the situation. One death is not reason to worry. Our DHS are working actively to ensure that the disease does not spread,” a health department official said.
Dengue -- the viral disease
Dengue is a viral disease, transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly the Aedes aegypti, which is found in tropic and subtropical regions.
The onset of this acute illness is sudden, followed with headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy), and rash.
Most dengue infections result in relatively mild illness, but some can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever which can be fatal in about 5 percent of cases, mostly children and young adults.
Although there is no specific treatment for dengue fever, those inflicted with the ailment should rest and drink plenty of fluids.
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