55-year-old woman dies of suspected dengue in P’kula, tricity toll reaches 5

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 3 

A 55-year-old woman is suspected to have died of dengue in Panchkula on Friday night, taking the dengue death toll in the tricity to five, which includes two from Mohali, two from Chandigarh and one from Panchkula. 

The total number of confirmed cases in the tricity so far is 184. Mohali has recorded 146, the highest number of dengue cases in the tricity, followed by Chandigarh, which has reported 23 confirmed cases so far. Panchkula has recorded 15 cases of dengue till now. 

Sources said Neena Puri, a resident of Sector 9, Panchkula, was admitted to a private hospital in Panchkula on September 1, and died last night.

Meanwhile, Mohali has recorded two suspected dengue deaths. Yesterday, Kamaldeep Goyal (34), a resident of Kharar, was suspected to have died of dengue in a private hospital at Mohali. Earlier, last week, another dengue death was reported from Mohali. However, confirmation, or otherwise, of dengue is awaited.  Mohali Civil Surgeon Ranjit Kaur Guru said 93 houses were checked in Kharar today, and the larvae of dengue mosquito was found. Challans were issued and fogging was done in the area. 

In Chandigarh, three fresh dengue cases were reported today, taking the tally to 23, including two deaths reported in August. According to health officials, two patients are from Sector 15, Chandigarh, and one from Mauli Jagran.

“These patients have been reported from the city today, but have not been hospitalised,” said Gaurav Aggarwal, Nodal Officer, Malaria Wing, UT Heath Department.

He said most dengue cases being reported this year lack classic symptoms. “They are asymptomatic, which causes confusion and worry among the patients,” he added.

The steady rise in the number of cases has created panic among the city residents.

“There is a need for awareness among the residents as not all fever cases and dengue-like symptoms are actually dengue. A majority are viral cases. However, in case symptoms surface, one must immediately see a health care provider,” Dr Aggarwal added. 

Dr Aggarwal, who is in charge of the UT Health Department’s 24x7 dengue helpline number 9779558282, has been receiving calls from across north India.