Dengue rising in Jmu, tally reaches 164
The number of dengue cases is on a steady rise in the winter capital, which has seen 164 dengue cases till date after the first case was detected in early August. The spurt in cases has been due to above average rainfall, which has led to water logging an ideal breeding ground for the mosquitoes. The usual pattern of spiked cases of the vector borne disease is usually reported between August and November.
On Monday over a dozen fresh cases of vector-borne disease were diagnosed from across Jammu, while the most affected were the areas falling under the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC).
Last year, the dengue cases started surfacing in the Jammu division in the middle of September. But in the current season the cases of dengue also started comparatively early due to the timely arrival of rains. The cases started coming to light in the month of August itself. However the cases have seen a steep rise in the past few days, as on a daily basis on an average 15-20 cases of Dengue are being diagnosed.
The urban areas of Jammu district are among the most affected. Fresh cases are being reported from city localities including Rehari Colony, Shaktinagar and Gandhinagar. Only 11 cases have been reported in rural areas of the district. Fresh cases have also been reported from some areas including Kot Bhalwal.
Lax measures to check mosquito breeding appear to be spelling trouble in the winter capital. Despite hundreds of cases reported from the areas falling under the Jammu Municipal Corporation last year also, no special preventive measures have been taken to contain the menace, including cleaning of drains, lanes and thermal fogging to kill mosquitoes.
As per a senior doctor “After every two or three years, an upsurge takes place in the dengue cases but they decline after November 10”. He advised the public to discard any stagnant water which can become breeding ground for mosquitoes. Even a small quantity of 50 ml of stagnant water can breed mosquitoes. People, especially children, should wear full sleeve clothes. There should be regular cleaning of flower pots, earthen pots and junk utensils.
More number of Dengue cases are being reported from Parade, Bakshinagar and Gandhinagar in Jammu city, despite anti-Malaria wing offices of health department in these areas. Apart from Jammu district, cases are also coming up in Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri and Samba districts. However, their number is negligible.
The doctor added, “In the cities and towns, there are more breeding sites compared to villages. In cities, there are more deposits of garbage and improper drainage systems. Also, there is more piling of discarded and junk material in cities.”
As per State Malaria Department officials people are also being made aware along with spraying the area from where dengue cases come.
