Andhra Medical College professor in Vizag succumbs to dengue

Visakhapatnam: In another dengue death, a doctor succumbed to severe dengue shock syndrome in Vizag city on Wednesday night.

Dr Vandana, 50, assistant professor of microbiology at the Andhra Medical College (A.M.C.) was admitted to the King George Hospital in Vizag city on October 21. Through the Elisa test, it was diagnosed that she has dengue. However, Dr Vandana left the King George Hospital against the advice of the medical team on October 22 and admitted to a corporate hospital in Vizag city on October 23. However, her condition deteriorated, and she died on Wednesday night at a private hospital in Vizag city.

Experts from the medical field said that very few patients develop shock syndrome and severe complexities due to dengue fever. Chances of survival diminish, and Dr Vandana was the example of such a case.

Dr Vandana is a native of Kothapeta area in East Godavari district. She got a transfer to the Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam city from Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada in East Godavari in July this year.

Despite over 10 deaths in the past few months in Vizag city, the health department has not acknowledged the epidemic and have denied that dengue is the reason for these deaths.

Visakha East M.L.A. V. Ramakrishna Babu and Visakha West M.L.A. P.V.G.R. Naidu (Gana Babu) of the Telugu Desam demanded that the government release data on dengue deaths in the state. They said, “Majority of the private hospitals in Vizag city have many dengue patients. But the officials have not taken any steps to fight dengue.

The C.P.M. leaders alleged that private hospitals in Vizag are fleecing dengue patients by charging Rs 70,000 for treatment. The government should announce a medical emergency.