Authorities on toes as 205 dengue cases reported in Karnal district
With 205 dengue cases having been officially reported in Karnal, the administration is on its toes to check the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. The number of cases could be much higher, as several cases go unreported. The sharp rise in hospitalisation of dengue patients adds to the concern among health officials who are working round the clock to contain the outbreak.
The number of dengue cases was 561 in 2023, 335 in 2022, 304 in 2021, 93 in 2020, 29 in 2019, 104 in 2018 and 234 in 2017.
The situation has become more alarming as larvae of the Aedes mosquito, which is responsible for the transmission of dengue, have been detected in 7,166 households across the district. As a result, notices under the Municipal By-laws Act of 1973 (Section 214) have been served to households found breeding larvae in coolers, pots, vases and other water storage items, said Dr Anu, Deputy Civil Surgeon.
The health authorities have intensified their efforts to stop the breeding of mosquitoes. As per the authorities, 166 teams have been formed to conduct anti-larval activities, with 16 teams deployed in urban areas and 150 in rural parts of the district. Besides, the Health Department has tested 6,030 samples.
“We have intensified efforts to contain the outbreak. Dengue mosquitoes breed in clean water. We urge everyone to ensure their surroundings are free from stagnated water,” she said.
“People should regularly clean water containers, earthen pots, fridges, water tanks, and coolers to prevent mosquito breeding. Our teams are constantly monitoring the district, and notices are being served where larvae are found,” said Dr Anu.
Private hospitals and labs have also been directed to report fever cases daily to the department, ensuring timely tracking of potential dengue patients, she added.
The District Civil Hospital and Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC) have already set up separate wards for dengue patients, she said.
Deputy Commissioner (DC), Karnal, Uttam Singh has instructed officials to take strict measures to stop the spread of the disease.
