Dengue testing in Punjab disrupted due to kit shortage

The Punjab health department is grappling with a shortage of dengue testing kits, leading to a disruption in testing amidst a surge in dengue cases. So far this season, Punjab has reported 4,246 dengue cases. The scarcity of NS1 Antigen ELISA Kits, used to detect dengue in the initial five days of symptom onset, has affected testing in various districts.

In some districts, including Patiala, which is the home district of Punjab's health minister Dr. Balbir Singh, the shortage has forced patients to turn to private labs for tests, incurring a cost of approximately ₹600. The issue mainly revolves around the lack of NS1 kits, as IgG/IgM kits, utilized to check antibodies after five days of symptom onset, are still available.

Government's response

Dr. Balbir Singh acknowledged the kit shortage and assured that additional NS1 kits have been ordered. He also mentioned a delay in the supply of IgG/IgM kits from the central government. The minister claimed that despite the spike in dengue cases, the situation is stabilizing.

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District epidemiologists have requested additional dengue kits for testing labs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an adequate supply. Erratic supply of NS1 kits has led to days when no kits were available for testing, further hampering efforts to confirm dengue cases.

Testing kit distribution

On September 8, the state health department distributed approximately 50 dengue kits to around 44 labs across the state. However, these kits have been exhausted in many districts over the past ten days. Each kit can test around 90 samples.

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The shortage of testing kits not only affects the ability to confirm dengue cases but also impacts the accurate recording of daily case numbers. Health officials are concerned about a decline in testing rates, which could obscure the actual extent of the outbreak.

As dengue cases continue to rise in Punjab, resolving the shortage of testing kits is essential to effectively manage and combat the disease.