Patna:
Bihar has sounded a high alert after two people died of dengue and the number of those infected rose to about 200 in various parts of the state, the Health Minister said on Thursday.
"A control room has been set up in Patna to keep a close watch on the situation. Health officials have been directed to take preventive measures and provide proper treatment to dengue patients," Health Minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey told IANS over the phone.
Dengue has claimed two lives in Samastipur district, while nearly 80 people with the disease have been admitted to various hospitals. Dengue cases have also been reported from Purnia, Begusarai, Patna, Vaishali and Gaya districts, a health official said.
The Health Minister visited Jawharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital in the district headquarters town of Bhagalpur on Thursday to take a stock of the situation.
Over two dozen people suffering from dengue have been admitted to different hospitals in Bhagalpur, according to a health official.
Mr Choubey said that he has directed hospital authorities across the state to provide adequate treatment and medicines to those suffering from the disease.
"I asked all the district civil surgeons to ensure measures like proper sanitation, regular fogging and spraying to prevent spread of dengue," Mr Choubey said, adding that the situation was under control.