11 dengue cases reported in Jalandhar district

Aparna Banerji

Jalandhar, July 20

As many as 11 cases of dengue have been reported so far in Jalandhar this year of which four were reported in the past three months of May, June and July. Apart from this, 23 cases of diarrhoea have also been reported in the district, all of whom are now cured.

With the onset of the monsoon, hectic preparations for dengue prevention have begun in the district. Special fogging drives have been started in areas which have repeatedly featured on the list of dengue hot spots in Jalandhar.

While as many as 172 cases of dengue had been reported in Jalandhar last year (until December 6, 2023) the dengue cases kept coming in until January this year. Of the total cases reported this year, most surfaced in January.

As many as seven cases were reported in January, two in May and one each in June and July so far.

Meanwhile, four cases of malaria were also reported this year. To keep the spread of dengue at bay, various hot spots are being closely monitored by the Health Department.

Ironically, the Basti areas in the Jalandhar West constituency where the bypoll was recently held are some of the most notorious hot spots for the breeding of dengue larvae.

Areas which have been recognised for targeted action against dengue include ward numbers 28, 38, 49 and 58. Specifically, areas like Bhargo Camp, Abadpura, Santokhpura, Basti Bawa Khel, Mangu Basti and Jalandhar Cantt are the ones where breeding of larvae is especially being checked.

To keep the spread of dengue at bay, 60 larvae breeding checker teams have also been pushed into service by the Health Department in July.

Teams of the MC have also issued 12 warning notices to residents to check the breeding of larvae and dengue.

Epidemiologist Dr Aditya Paul said, “Our teams are heading door-to-door to check the spread of dengue. Fogging has also been started in sensitive areas and hot spots. Sixty teams are carrying out checks every day. Residents are advised to ensure no water accumulates in utensils or scrap in and around their household.”