Lagatar24 Desk
Chandigarh: The Punjab health department has reported a concerning rise in dengue cases, with a total of 221 cases recorded across the state. Hoshiarpur has emerged as the worst-hit district, with 56 cases, followed by Ludhiana with 34 cases and Mohali with 20 cases.
Last year, Punjab saw a staggering 13,687 cases of dengue, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that thrives during the monsoon season.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has expressed serious concern over the increasing detection of dengue larvae during the department’s anti-dengue activities. “We are well prepared for dengue this season, but we need community participation to control the disease that can also prove fatal. People should take proactive steps to check the spread of dengue,” Dr. Singh urged.
In response to the growing threat, health officials have increased the number of government-run testing labs from 42 to 47 this year. Additionally, the number of breeding checkers has been boosted from 800 to 1,200. Larvicides are being sprayed at water stagnation points to prevent the breeding of dengue larvae.
A health official, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted the need for community involvement, stating, “After rain, dengue breeding sites in open areas and also inside households may have increased. We need community participation to fight dengue and avoid an outbreak this year too.”
Health officials also noted a shift in dengue hotspots, with rural and semi-urban areas, which previously reported fewer cases, now becoming significant sources of the disease.
With the dengue season in full swing, the Punjab health department is urging residents to take preventive measures, such as eliminating standing water and using mosquito repellents, to curb the spread of the disease.
