Government in damage control mode

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Thursday directed Panchayati Raj institutions, urban local bodies and other agencies to intensify cleaning operations in rural and urban areas to check the spread of dengue and mosquito breeding.Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday took stock of the situation at a high-level meeting here with dengue claiming seven lives in the State.  Chikungunya, another vector-borne illness has also been reported from Dharakote block of Ganjam district.While people suffering from even common cold and fever have started pouring into the SCB Medical College and Hospital apprehending dengue, Health Minister Prasanna Acharya, who was present at the meeting, said that measures had been taken to provide treatment in the local hospitals. As dengue is more prevalent in Angul and Talcher areas, Acharya reportedly said the department had decided to send a team of specialists to MCL Central Hospital.The meeting also discussed the spread of chikungunya in Ganjam district where more than 100 persons are suffering from fever.  A person from Gada Damodarpali village has tested positive.