A woman from Khadpabandh in Ponda has died of suspected dengue while undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College (GMC) last week, raising concerns over a rise in cases in the area and prompting calls for intensified preventive measures.
Details of the Incident
The deceased, identified as Vibha Tiwari, a native of Uttar Pradesh residing in Khadpabandh, was initially treated at the Ponda sub-district hospital. As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to GMC, where she succumbed to the illness. Director of Health Services Rupa Naik stated that Tiwari had underlying co-morbidities and that confirmatory test reports are still awaited.
Community Response
Concerned over the situation, a group of Ponda Municipal Council councillors met the health officer on Wednesday and urged the health department to step up dengue awareness and prevention efforts. The councillors also assured their support in the campaign.
Shaunak Borkar, councillor for Khadpabandh, reported that six suspected dengue cases have been recorded in his ward, of which two patients have recovered. “There are likely to be more cases here. People are worried after the death of Vibha, and we want the health department to intensify its measures,” Borkar said.
Preventive Measures
As a preventive measure, councillors and local social workers have been carrying out fogging operations across the town to curb mosquito breeding. Borkar also urged health officials to identify and eliminate dengue breeding hotspots.
Activist Viraj Sapre mentioned that he has written to the government seeking the cleaning of Ponda’s nullahs, pointing out that stagnant water in some stretches could become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The health department has been urged to conduct awareness campaigns and intensify vector control measures to prevent further spread of the disease. Residents have been advised to take precautions such as using mosquito repellents and eliminating stagnant water around their homes.
