First dengue death reported from Kalimpong

Kalimpong, Pradip Lohagun: Dengue has been terrorising Siliguri in the plains and other areas including Sikkim for a while, and now a death from the dreaded fever has been reported from Kalimpong. Padma Golay (47) who was working as a nurse in Kalimpong sub-divisional hospital died today from dengue. Sixteen more cases of the illness have been reported from the hospital.
Hospital sources said Golay was suffering from high fever and was admitted on October 4. Three tests were conducted on her following which she was found positive for NS 1 and IGA. After her condition deteriorated sharply on Sunday evening, Golay was referred to Siliguri, but she died on the way. Kalimpong residents have become apprehensive about dengue spreading even as patients at the hospital have complained diagnostic tests are not being conducted in time.
SDMO Dr. D Sonam verified Golay’s death was due to dengue, but dismissed allegations about the hospital showing negligence. He said chances of dengue spreading in town have increased after Golay’s and tests are being conducted on every fever patient. The hospital administration is ascertaining if the deceased contracted dengue in Kalimpong or when she had visited the plains, added Sonam.
Ten male and six female confirmed dengue patients are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. However, the sub-divisional hospital here lacks proper facilities to diagnose the fever and patients have to queue up before private clinics and hospitals.
It may be mentioned here that Municipal Health Officer Dr. SD Zimba recently asserted dengue cannot spread in the hills as the Aegypti mosquito has not been found.