Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala/Bathinda, Sept 12
While the Covid third wave looms, Punjab has been severely hit by the deadly dengue. The state has reported 811 positive cases this season so far.
The number is almost double than the last year. Notably, only 441 positive cases were reported during the corresponding period last year. It is learnt that several districts of the state are reeling under the fear of a dengue outbreak. The Health Department said Hoshiarpur district was the worst hit in the state with 195 positive cases in the ongoing season. After Hoshiarpur, Amritsar has reported 181 cases while Muktsar has reported 154 cases till now.
Though only one suspected dengue death has been reported so far, the department didn’t bother to conduct an audit to ascertain the actual cause of the death. The department said all districts had already been put on alert and dengue wards had been set up in each district to handle patients.
State health officials said their teams had been visiting all districts on a regular basis for entomological surveillance. “If there is a spike in dengue cases in any district, we will send more teams,” said a senior health official.
Dr GB Singh, Director, Health Department, said though there was a rise in dengue cases, the situation was under control. “Some districts witnessed a sharp rise. However, our officials are doing what they can, and the situation is under control so far,” he said.
Meanwhile, dengue has started spreading tentacles in Bathinda too, with as many as 61 cases being reported this season. Notably, following constant spells of rain recently, stagnant water in many parts of the city has increased the risk of vector-borne diseases. Officials said dip in temperature levels around this time provided an ideal atmosphere for breeding of dengue larvae. They warned against accumulation of water in residential and public places in the city.
State on alert
Though only one suspected dengue death has been reported so far, the Health Department didn’t bother to conduct an audit to ascertain the actual cause of the death. The department said all districts had already been put on alert and dengue wards had been set up in each district to handle patients.
Dengue cases double, Hoshiarpur worst hit
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