BHOPAL: Power outage at district malaria office (DMO) in the state capital has led to a virtual shutdown of its laboratory even as dengue makes a comeback.
According to health officials, no tests have been possible in the last 48 hours due to erratic power supply.
Meanwhile, two more persons tested positive for dengue at district civil hospital pathology.
Interestingly, some 40 samples were tested. It has raised eyebrows and suspected under reporting of cases. "I have ascertained the reports and the test results are affirmative. There is no under reporting," claimed district chief medical and health officer (CMHO) Dr Pankaj Shukla.
So far this year, 128 dengue cases have been reported in Bhopal.
The two new cases reported were from Awadhpuri and Kolar area. Both suspects were admitted to JP Hospital and are expected to make a full recovery.
Testing of blood samples at district malaria office (DMO) to determine vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue have been hit due to absence of power back-up facility, admitted a DMO official.
According to a DMO official, inverter that provides backup to dengue ELISA testing machines is not functional.
Post the last dengue epidemic in the city in 2009, 22 microscopes were fitted with online invertors, enabling them to function non-stop for up to 24 hours. However, its batteries have run their life and are in need of replacement. "A request for new backup system is pending with the health department for over three years," he added.