Dengue cases up by 50%

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 16

Punjab saw a 50 per cent increase in dengue cases in 2017.  As many as 15,398 cases were reported as against 10,439 in 2016. The number of casualties rose from 15 in 2016 to 18 in 2017. 

As per the state Health Department, Mohali was the worst affected district with 2,472 cases in 2017. Interestingly, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Health Minister Brahm Mohindra’s hometown Patiala stood second with 2,434 cases until December. Patiala witnessed a steep rise in the number of dengue cases from 1,342 in 2016 to 2,432 in 2017. Meanwhile, only 76 cases were reported in Tarn Taran.  

As per the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme, Punjab stood fourth in the country while Tamil Nadu was the worst hit with 22,197 cases. 

Health experts say most dengue cases take place because of the accumulation of water inside houses. Dengue larvae takes 7-10 days to develop into an adult, thus, if care is taken, its spread can be controlled. 

However, this year, not a single case of dengue has been reported in the district so far.

Civil Surgeon Harish Malhotra said, “The exact reason for the rise in the number of cases is hard to find, but people can play a vital role in controlling the disease by keeping their surroundings clean.”

The Civil Surgeon added, “We have identified dengue-prone areas in the district and updated the Municipal Corporation for further action.”