Dengue grips city, 256 cases reported

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 17

Dengue seems to have spread its tentacles in the district with 256 confirmed cases reported so far. 

The spurt in cases in the last one week has put the District Health Department in a quandary. As per the department, the average daily reporting of dengue cases has gone up to 15 from seven in the last four days.

Last year, the district recorded 2, 432 such cases. District Epidemiologist Dr Gurmeet said, “No dengue outbreak has been reported so far, which is a positive sign in controlling the disease.” The worst affected areas include Ranjit Nagar, Prem Nagar, Babul Singh Colony, Ekta Nagar and parts of outer city. 

Despite taking all possible measures such as fogging and spraying larvcides to curb the spread of the disease, the Health Department felt people were not playing vital role in fight against dengue. Dr Gurmeet said community partcipation could play a vital role in curbing this vector-borne disease.

He said, “Despite continuous awareness programmes by the department, we found that people are showing lackadaisical attitude towards controlling the disease.” 

“In one of my visits in Ekta Nagar near railway colony, people refused the health officials to enter their houses to check dengue larvae,” he added.

People should realise their responsibility and maintain cleanliness, said health officials.