Dengue breaks 5-year record, 265 cases reported in Kurukshetra this season so far

Breaking the record of the previous five years, 265 dengue cases were reported in Kurukshetra by Monday evening.

Last year, the district witnessed 263 cases, which was more than the combined total of 256 dengue cases reported from 2019 to 2022. The district reported five cases in 2019 and the number of cases increased to 18 in 2020. The figures further increased to 129 in 2021 and then a drop was witnessed with 104 cases in 2022.

According to the data procured, as many as 265 cases have been reported as of Monday, of which 1 patient was admitted and is undergoing treatment, four are getting treatment in OPDs and 260 have recovered. No death has been reported due to dengue. Over 3,250 samples were collected for dengue testing.

A majority of the cases were reported from October end to mid-November and most of the cases came from urban areas. The number of fresh larvae cases is gradually decreasing. The Health Department's teams found larvae in 2,081 houses and served 1,231 notices.

Dr Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Civil Surgeon, said, “With a gradual decline in dengue cases and decrease in fresh larvae cases, the situation is improving and we expect the cases to stop soon. Teams of the Health Department have been visiting the affected areas and necessary steps are being taken to check the breeding of mosquitoes. A majority of the cases were reported from October end to mid-November and the maximum cases were from urban areas. Delayed rains in this season and hot and humid conditions created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.”

"Teams have found dengue larvae in trays kept for flower pots, bottles and containers being used to grow plants and other containers in the garden areas and roofs in the houses. Community participation is very important to stop dengue cases. People shouldn’t allow water to stagnate in their surroundings. Constant efforts are being made to educate people but still negligence is being observed.”

Meanwhile, Thanesar MLA Ashok Arora said, “The actual number of cases is more than reported. Adequate measures were not taken in time to control the spread of dengue. I have raised the matter at every level, from the district administration to the Haryana Assembly. Dengue is not a political issue and collective efforts are required to protect people. The dengue season is ending now, and next year, we will make all efforts to keep the disease at bay.”