Dengue cases are rising sharply in the city. In August alone, 124 patients have been reported, with 48 cases emerging in just one week from 4 wards in the Jagdish Chowk area. The situation is becoming increasingly concerning as an average of 8 new cases are being confirmed daily.

Current data only includes reports from 4 medical colleges, including RNT, and 2 major laboratories. Reports from over 200 other laboratories and 135 private hospitals are not yet included. If these were added, the number of cases could potentially double. 

Since January 2024, there have been 182 reported dengue cases. August alone saw 124 of these cases. The highest number of dengue cases in the last 6 years was 623 in 2023, followed by 604 cases in 2021.

Meeting With Medical Department

To address the situation, Dr. Mustaq Ahmad, the state's Joint Director (Malaria), and his team have conducted a survey in the inner-city areas. The meeting called by Collector Arvind Poswal will include officials from five departments, including the medical department.

The medical department currently has data from 6 hospitals linked to RNT Medical College and other major hospitals, as well as reports from Arth and Medicenter Labs. However, data from other laboratories and private hospitals are still missing. Dengue data is being recorded under malaria due to the lack of a separate dengue portal.

CMHO Dr. Shankar Lal Bamaniya highlighted that dengue larvae are breeding in stagnant rainwater in old city potholes. The department is working to include additional hospitals in the system. Today on August 31,2024, a meeting with officials from various departments, including the District Council and the Water Supply Department, will be held to tackle the issue.