Over 650 dengue cases in Odisha, one death

Bhubaneswar: The outbreak of dengue in different parts of Odisha has triggered panic among people with the number of affected people reaching 654 in the state, and one person dying of the mosquito-borne disease.

A total of 654 persons have tested positive so far while 128 persons are in hospitals, said an official on Monday.

The infection which is spreading across the state, particularly in Keonjhar and Cuttack, claimed one life so far, the official added.

"We have made special wards in all three government colleges and hospitals to treat the dengue-infected persons. Besides, several units of doctors have been formed to deal with the situation," said Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak.

The Minister took a review meeting on the preparation and making special provision for treatment of patients in hospitals.

He said a task force has been constituted to monitor the situation in the state.