Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Sep 6: West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Saturday said the state government’s priority is to eradicate dengue and ensure transparent reporting of infections, rather than suppressing the actual number of cases.

Addressing a dengue awareness rally in the Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency of West Burdwan district, Paul said the Chief Minister had directed authorities to accurately report dengue cases following blood tests.

“The objective is not to suppress the number of dengue cases. Our aim is to eradicate dengue. If a person is infected, it must be clearly reflected in the report,” she said.

The awareness march, organised by the Asansol Municipal Corporation, began at Ramsay Maidan and concluded at Battala Bazar in Mahishila.

Asansol Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Mishra, the District Forest Officer and sanitation workers were among those who participated in the drive.

Paul said the number of dengue patients was increasing but stressed that cases should be specifically mentioned in medical reports after blood tests.

“The Chief Minister has ordered that if there is dengue, it should be specifically mentioned in the report after conducting a blood test,” she said.

### 40-48 dengue cases reported in district

Speaking to reporters, Paul said dengue had been reported from three wards in the Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency.

“About 40 to 48 people are infected with dengue in the district. They are being treated. We are not trying to suppress the number of dengue patients. Rather, we want to ensure that this issue does not spread by treating them,” she said.

During the previous Trinamool Congress government, the Opposition had repeatedly alleged that the number of dengue cases was being suppressed and the actual number of infected people concealed.

Then Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari and MLA Agnimitra Paul had frequently raised the issue in the Assembly.

### Mosquito nets, health camps planned

On dengue prevention measures, Paul said mosquito nets would be distributed among remaining residents of wards affected by dengue.

“Basically, these mosquito nets will be given to all those people who are from low-income families. Along with this, health camps will be organised in that area. Maintaining cleanliness and making people aware are also important,” she said.

Paul stressed that public awareness was crucial to eradicating dengue.

“Dengue will be eradicated only if people are aware. Water should not be allowed to accumulate anywhere in the house,” she said.

She also advised people to undergo testing at a government hospital if they develop fever lasting more than two days.

“Adequate dengue test kits have already been stocked in all hospitals. This test will be free,” Paul said.