Dengue cases may go up: Expert

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 27

Though dengue has already spread its tentacles in the state, the real challenge will be in October as it will provide a conducive weather for mosquito breeding. Even last year, the maximum number of cases was reported in October.

According to the state Health Department, 3,000 dengue cases have been reported so far. However, the real challenge for the civic bodies and the Health Department lies in the coming month of October, when the weather will be most conducive for mosquito breeding and the number of cases may rise.

Going by the data of the Health Department, dengue cases start coming in May and continue till the end of November depending upon the weather conditions. However, maximum cases are reported in October. Even last year, around 5,000 cases were reported in October alone.

According to experts, dengue cases will keep on coming till the time maximum temperature remains above 25°C, which remains conducive for breeding of aedes mosquito. “The temperature between 25°C and 35°C along with adequate humidity is most conducive for the breeding of mosquitoes,” said Dr Rakesh Sehgal, head, Parasitology, PGI, Chandigarh.

“In the current weather, the temperature is between 25°C and 35°C with a lot of humidity. Now, the cases are rising and it will increase in the next few weeks,” said Dr Sehgal.

According to experts, if night temperature will come down to maximum 15°C, the cases will decline considerably. However, going by the weather bulletins, the temperature below 15°C will come only in the first or second week of November.