At 3,800, Punjab’s dengue tally doubles in a week

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 4

Dengue seems to have become a new challenge as the number of cases are increasing at rapid pace and have doubled in just a week.

Till September 24, the number of cases was around 1,900. But in just eight days they have doubled to around 3,800.

In view of the rising number of dengue cases in Punjab, Deputy Chief Minister OP Soni (Minister for Health and Family Welfare) has issued orders to top officials of the health department to expedite anti-dengue activities.

Giving information regarding dengue cases, Soni said till date, the department had conducted test of total 13,532 suspected patients and found 3,760 positive cases of dengue and at present 39 laboratories in the state are carrying out free testing of dengue and a large number of dengue testing kits are available at state government hospitals.

Soni appealed to the state residents that the health department was observing every Friday as a “Dry Day” and any accumulated water should be poured out of coolers, pots or other utensils in or around their houses on that day.

Experts say that prolonged monsoon can further worsen the situation as it provides conducive atmosphere for mosquito breeding. Last year, the state had reported 8,435 cases and 22 deaths.

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