Tura, Oct 19 : West Garo Hills Deputy Commisssioner Ram Singh is calling upon people who develop symptoms such as fever, joint pains and rash to visit the Tura civil hospital and take the free Eliza test to detect if he or she has dengue. If untreated, the disease can turn life threatening, warn doctors.

The DC Ram Singh informed the media that 16 cases of Dengue have already been detected in Tura bazaar and he is calling for a special meeting on Wednesday with the medical department, especially those dealing with vector borne diseases, including Dengue.

Anti Dengue fogging was carried out on Tuesday in Tura bazaar to neutralise and kill the virus which is spread from the bite of the Aedes mosquito.

The fogging operation was undertaken after high levels of mosquito larva were found in water containers of many houses in Tura bazaar.

A strong advisory has also been given to people, warning them not to undergo rapid tests in private clinics because there is no rapid test for Dengue. Rapid test is primarily to detect Malaria.

The primary test for Dengue is through the Eliza test which, the DC informed, is being given free to all patients.