Dengue: State among worst-hit

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 15

With around 13,000 cases, Punjab is one of the worst-affected states in the country when it comes to dengue outbreak.

When Punjab is placed in all-India dengue scenario, despite its small population and geographical area it is the fourth worst-affected state in the country. As per the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), till Sunday Kerala topped the chart with 19,445 cases, followed by Tamil Nadu 19,116, Karnataka 15,303 and Punjab 12,614 cases. All the three states are several times bigger than Punjab when it comes to population and geographical area.

This year Punjab has the worst dengue outbreak as compared to the past years. As per the state Health Department’s own data, apart from the confirmed cases, so far around 17,000 suspected cases of dengue have also been reported. Earlier it was in 2015, when the state faced the worst outbreak, when over 14,000 cases were reported.

Looking at the weather conditions, the dengue season is likely to continue till end of this month. At present, 250 to 300 fresh cases are being reported daily. According to sources in the department, looking at the number of cases, earlier record of 2015, is likely to break in the next one week.

In district-wise break-up, with over 1,000 cases SAS Nagar, Patiala and Hoshiarpur are the worst-affected districts in the state.

As per the state Health Department, so far no death purely due to dengue has been reported. But a large number of cases in which people died are being reviewed by the experts.

Interestingly, when the state is badly affected with dengue, the two important departments — Health and Local Bodies — which are responsible for dealing with the problem, are busy in passing the buck to each other.

Despite repeated attempts, Director, Health Services, Dr Rajiv Bhalla cannot be contacted for the comments.