Mysuru: “Dengue is a most intriguing organism as it changes its form and clinical manifestations, posing a major challenge for both physician and epidemiologist,” said Dr. V. Ravi, WHO Consultant of Neurovirology, NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences).

He was delivering the keynote address at the two-day national seminar on Dengue with the theme “Dengue: Are we future ready?” organised by the JSS Medical College under the aegis of JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER) at Sri Rajendra Centenary Auditorium, JSS Hospital, here on Apr. 21 and 22.

He stressed on the focused prevention and control strategies including vaccination strategies. Dr. Ravi mentioned about the proposed large scale project on dengue for exploring the                       various microbiological, clinical and epidemiological parameters in the State.

In his inaugural address, Dr. C.G. Betsurmath, Executive Secretary of JSS Mahavdyapeetha, described the epidemiological burden and factors influencing the epidemics of dengue in the country. He briefly mentioned the role of JSS Hospital in managing the cases of dengue in an efficient manner.

In his presidential address, Dr. B. Suresh, Vice-Chancellor, JSS AHER applauded the efforts put forth by doctors of JSS Hospital in managing the Dengue epidemic of Mysuru in recent years.

He highlighted about the inception of the idea of this national seminar and urged the faculty members of the medical college and hospital to formulate comprehensive dengue management guidelines as an outcome of this seminar.

“Dengue control should not only focus on the cure of disease, but also concentrate on structured health awareness activities in the community so that there will be less number of dengue cases in the country,” said Dr. Suresh.

Dr. B. J. Subhash Chandra, Professor and Head, Department of Medicine and Organising Chairman, welcomed. Dr. M. N. Sumana, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology and Organising Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.

Dr. H. Basavanagowdappa, Principal, JSS Medical College, Dr. (Col.) M. Dayanand, Director, JSS Hospital, Dr. P. A. Kushalappa, Director, Academics, JSSAHER and R. Mahesh, Director, Medical Education Division, JSSMVP, were present.

Resource persons from Central and State governments and premier institutions deliberated on several aspects of Dengue. Research scholars from various medical colleges presented their research experiences on dengue. More than 300 delegates participated in the seminar.