EKTA NAGAR, Oct 30: Preparations for the National Unity Day celebrations in Gujarat have been affected after 21 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel tested positive for dengue, prompting health authorities to strengthen surveillance and preventive measures ahead of the October 31 parade at the Statue of Unity.
The affected personnel were part of a 40-member BSF contingent that had arrived from Assam to participate in the celebrations commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. They developed fever during mandatory quarantine and subsequently tested positive for the mosquito borne infection.
The personnel are receiving treatment at the Ekta Nagar Trauma Centre. Their participation in the parade scheduled for October 31 remained uncertain as authorities monitored their health and recovery.
Narmada Chief District Health Officer Dr J O Madhak said that 40 dengue cases had been reported among approximately 10,000 personnel who had arrived in Ekta Nagar for the celebrations since October 20.
Officials clarified that the situation had not been classified as an outbreak, but the detection of multiple infections among security personnel had prompted additional precautions.
According to health officials, around 75 medical cases had been reported among the arriving personnel. Ten individuals remained under observation, while two dengue patients were referred to Vadodara’s SSG Hospital for critical care.
The health department has intensified preventive operations across the event area to prevent further mosquito-borne infections and ensure adequate medical support during the large public gathering.
Dengue infections raise concern ahead of major event
The infections have emerged at a time when Ekta Nagar is preparing to host a major national event expected to attract security personnel, government officials, visitors and dignitaries.
The annual National Unity Day celebrations are organised to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, whose contribution to the integration of princely states remains central to the country’s history.
The parade at the Statue of Unity is among the main attractions of the programme. With thousands of personnel expected to participate in different activities, authorities have been working to ensure that medical and emergency services remain available throughout the celebrations.
The detection of dengue among members of the Assam contingent has highlighted the importance of health screening, quarantine arrangements and mosquito-control measures during large gatherings.
Officials have been monitoring personnel arriving from different parts of the country, particularly those reporting symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain and weakness.
Dengue is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which generally breed in clean, stagnant water collected in containers, discarded tyres, flowerpots and other artificial water-holding objects.
The disease can cause high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea and skin rashes. In some cases, patients may develop serious complications, including severe bleeding, plasma leakage and shock.
Medical experts stress that early diagnosis and appropriate clinical monitoring are important, particularly when patients develop warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding or unusual drowsiness.
Health department intensifies preventive operations
Following the detection of infections, local health authorities have expanded mosquito-control activities across Ekta Nagar and surrounding areas.
Measures include removing potential mosquito-breeding sites, fogging operations, chlorination and sanitation drives.
Officials are also inspecting locations where water may accumulate, including temporary accommodation facilities, public spaces and areas surrounding event infrastructure.
The objective is to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent additional infections among personnel and visitors.
The health administration has also strengthened medical arrangements to respond to emergencies during the celebrations.
A 100-bed hospital has been made available, supported by doctors working round the clock. Mobile medical units have also been deployed to provide assistance at different locations.
Five motorcycle ambulance teams have been arranged to facilitate faster emergency response, particularly in crowded areas where conventional ambulances may face difficulties reaching patients.
The additional arrangements are intended to ensure that medical assistance is available without delays during the event.
Officials have also been coordinating with security agencies and other departments to monitor the health of personnel and respond quickly to suspected cases.
Two patients shifted to Vadodara for critical care
While most reported cases are being managed locally, two dengue patients were referred to Vadodara’s SSG Hospital for critical care.
The referral underlines the importance of having access to higher-level medical facilities when patients develop complications or require specialised treatment.
Doctors generally advise dengue patients to maintain adequate hydration and undergo medical monitoring according to the severity of their symptoms.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, and management primarily involves supportive care.
Patients with severe symptoms may require hospital admission, fluid management and close monitoring of blood pressure, platelet counts and other clinical indicators.
Medical professionals caution against self-medication, particularly the use of aspirin and ibuprofen, because these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding in dengue patients.
Paracetamol may be used for fever and pain under appropriate medical guidance.
The health department’s response at Ekta Nagar is aimed at preventing infections from spreading further while ensuring that affected personnel receive timely treatment.
Public health precautions remain important
Dengue prevention requires sustained community participation because mosquito breeding can occur in relatively small quantities of stagnant water.
Health experts advise people to regularly empty and clean water containers, cover tanks, remove discarded objects that collect rainwater and maintain proper drainage around residential and temporary accommodation areas.
Personal protection is equally important. Wearing clothes that cover the body, using mosquito repellents and installing screens can help reduce exposure to mosquito bites.
People developing fever during periods of increased dengue transmission should seek medical evaluation rather than relying on home remedies or self-prescribed medication.
The infection can initially resemble other viral illnesses, making laboratory testing and clinical assessment important for appropriate diagnosis.
Health authorities have also stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness around public facilities and ensuring that water storage arrangements do not become mosquito-breeding locations.
Unity Day preparations continue amid medical monitoring
The National Unity Day celebrations are scheduled to culminate on October 31, with the parade at the Statue of Unity serving as the principal attraction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the celebrations, which mark Patel’s birth anniversary.
Authorities have continued preparations while strengthening medical surveillance and preventive arrangements.
The administration is also ensuring that emergency medical facilities remain operational throughout the programme.
The dengue cases have highlighted the public health challenges associated with large gatherings, particularly when participants travel from different regions and stay in temporary accommodation.
Officials have maintained that the situation is being monitored and that the reported infections do not constitute an outbreak.
The immediate priority remains the recovery of affected personnel, preventing further mosquito transmission and ensuring that the celebrations proceed with adequate medical safeguards.
Health authorities are expected to continue surveillance and sanitation activities during and after the event to reduce the possibility of additional cases.