Dengue on the rise: Sonepat sees 26 cases, Panipat 13

With continuous rainfall in the region, cases of dengue and malaria are on the rise in Sonepat and Panipat. As many as 26 dengue cases have been reported in Sonepat district so far, while Panipat has recorded 13 cases.

To curb the spread, the Health Department has intensified its source reduction programme in both districts and set up dengue wards in government hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres.

According to official data, Sonepat has reported 26 dengue cases, 11 malaria cases and one chikungunya case till date.

Dr Yogesh Goyal, Deputy Civil Surgeon and District Malaria Officer, said that 30 special teams led by medical officers had been formed to step up the source reduction programme. “In addition, 166 health teams and 40 breeder checkers are also working in the field,” he said.

He added that while no particular cluster had been identified as dengue-prone, most cases were emerging from urban areas. Mosquito nets have been distributed, fever camps organised in villages and 884 notices served after larvae were detected in households, Dr Goyal said.

In Panipat, Deputy Civil Surgeon and Nodal Officer for Malaria and Dengue, Dr Sunil Sanduja, confirmed 13 dengue cases, three malaria cases and one chikungunya case so far. “The source reduction programme was launched ahead of the monsoon this year. At present, 315 health teams and 40 breeder checking teams are active across the district,” he said.

He added that the Municipal Corporation had also commenced fogging operations across the city, which would support efforts to check mosquito breeding.