Dengue cases spiral in Kurukshetra, authorities blame delayed rains

A sharp increase in the number of dengue cases has been observed in the district in the last few days.

Meanwhile, the Health Department blames waterlogging in small pockets due to the untimely rainfall for the spike in dengue cases. Besides this, the shortage of staff is also “causing hurdles” for the department in taking anti-mosquito measures across the district.

According to data, as many as 171 cases have been reported till October 30, of which 15 patients are admitted at hospital, 15 are getting treatment in OPDs and 141 have recovered. No death has been reported due to dengue. Over 1,825 samples were collected for dengue testing.

Teams of the Health Department have been checking houses for dengue larvae. Larvae was found in 1,848 houses and the Health Department also served 1,042 notices. In Kurukshetra, Sectors 3, 5, 7 and 13, Ward-31, Mohan Nagar, Kirti Nagar, Didar Nagar, Shanti Nagar, Patiala Bank Colony, Mohan Nagar, Chakravarti Mohalla, Gandhi Nagar, Jhansa and Barna are some of the hotspots from where the cases have been reported.

Following a rise in the dengue cases, sitting and former Thanesar MLAs have expressed concern and asked the Health Department and officials of urban local bodies to take required measures to stop the spread of dengue.

Thanesar MLA Ashok Arora said, “Rising dengue cases in Thanesar has been a matter of concern and we have raised the matter with the Health Department and the district administration. The officials have been directed to increase fogging and take adequate steps to reduce the spread of dengue. Even during the recent meeting of development coordination and monitoring committee (DISHA), the issue of dengue was discussed, and we are keeping a close watch on

the situation.”

Former Thanesar MLA Subhash Sudha said, “The cases have been increasing and the Health Department should take adequate steps to stop the further spread, besides ramping up sampling in affected areas. The Health Department should also provide all facilities to active patients. The local residents should also not let the water accumulate in their surroundings and play an active role in stopping the breeding of mosquitoes.”

Dr Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Civil Surgeon, said, “Generally, the cases start decreasing during this period but an increase in the number of dengue cases is being observed due to delayed rains in this season. The conditions are ideal for the breeding of mosquitoes. We are expecting the cases to start decreasing soon. A door-to-door survey is being conducted by employees. Besides, information, education and communication (IEC) activities are being conducted. Officials are keeping a tab on fever cases and inspection to check larvae is being conducted in houses in rural and urban areas.

Anti-larvae medicine is being sprayed.”

“Private practitioners and labs are being asked to share data of positive cases so that measures like visiting the house of dengue patient to conduct tests of the family members and spraying anti-larvae medicine in the surroundings could be undertaken by the department. We will hold a meeting with members of the IMA in Kurukshetra soon. The details of affected areas are being shared with the Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat Department to ensure fogging,” he said.