Dengue cases cross 20K in Punjab, outbreak worst so far

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 12

Amid continuous reporting of cases, Punjab is seeing the worst-ever dengue outbreak this year. With over 20,000 cases and 70 suspected deaths, the state is virtually facing a public health emergency. The Health Department has, however, blamed the prolonged rainy season and lack of community participation for the worrying situation.

Of the 23 districts, Mohali alone has already reported over 3,000 cases and 36 suspected deaths. Mohali is followed by Bathinda with 2,200 cases and five deaths. The department said dengue testing had been increased from 18,000 in 2020 to 51,000 in 2021.

Health officials said the large-scale testing was one of the factors for the detection of high number of dengue cases.

A health official said, “Around 16.5 lakh households have been checked across the state. Dengue larvae were found in over 30,000 households. We are doing what we can, but people’s participation is a must.”

It has been learned that patients are scrambling for beds in hospitals — both government and private. Shortage of blood platelets is also being reported in some districts.

Dr Andesh Kang, Director, Health and Family Welfare, said favourable weather conditions had led to rise in mosquito breeding. She said, “The cases have started to decline. These will further come down as there is a dip in average daily temperature.”