Dengue outbreak: 14 health workers affected at Kottaparambu hospital in Kozhikode

Kozhikode: Fourteen health workers at Kottaparambu Hospital in Kozhikode have been diagnosed with dengue fever. The affected staff includes three doctors, nurses, lab technicians, nursing assistants, and data entry operators. Dengue cases were first reported on June 17, with several health workers in the emergency as well as outpatient departments contracting the illness.

Dr. M. Sujata, hospital superintendent, stated that the situation is being taken seriously. She assured that, as of now, no patients other than the health workers have been diagnosed with dengue fever. The hospital currently has 70 in-patients.

In response to the outbreak, the Kozhikode District Vector Control Unit, following instructions from the District Medical Officer, conducted inspections inside and around the hospital on Wednesday. They identified potential sources of dengue and found measures to prevent further spread.

The inspections extended to nearby commercial establishments and vacant lots. In the evening, the corporation's health department performed fogging around the hospital to reduce mosquito breeding sites. S. Sabitha, Senior Biologist with the Vector Control Unit, stated that fogging inside the hospital was avoided to prevent inconvenience to the patients.