*Health Deptt, JMC intensify fogging operations
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Sept 22: Dengue cases are on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir, with nearly 1,000 cases reported so far from various parts of the Union Territory. Jammu district is bearing the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for more than 60% of the total cases, with the majority stemming from municipal areas.
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Official sources disclosed to Excelsior that a total of 11,254 tests for dengue have been conducted this year across J&K, out of which 1056 have turned positive. Out of the total cases, only nine have been reported from the Kashmir region, while eight involved residents of J&K from other States or Union Territories.
Breaking down the figures further, officials revealed that around 63% of the total dengue cases have been reported from Jammu district, with the majority occurring in urban hotspots. Notable areas include Muthi, Vinayak Nagar, Roop Nagar, Paloura, Janipur, Durga Nagar, Satwari, Bantalab, Gandhi Nagar, Trikuta Nagar and Bakshi Nagar. A total of 669 cases have been reported from Jammu district alone, with over 90% (613 cases) originating from municipal areas and fewer than 10% (56 cases) from rural regions.
In other districts, 121 cases have been reported from Samba, 102 from Kathua, 45 from Udhampur, 25 each from Reasi and Rajouri, 23 from Poonch, 22 from Doda, six from Ramban, and one from Kishtwar. Sources also shared that 434 tests for dengue were conducted in the Union Territory on Saturday (September 21), of which 63 came back positive. These included 46 cases from Jammu, 8 from Kathua, 4 from Samba, 2 each from Reasi and Doda districts and 1 from Rajouri district.
The bulk of the dengue cases in the Union Territory have been recorded during September, with significant spikes on certain days. On September 13, 70 cases were reported, followed by 63 on September 14, 19 on September 15, 62 on September 16, 83 on September 17, 81 on September 18 and 78 on September 19. On September 20, 59 new cases were recorded. However, Health officials expect the numbers to start declining in the next 30 days, owing to changing weather conditions and the ongoing control measures being implemented by the Health Department.
When contacted, State Malariologist Dr DJ Raina noted that dengue is relatively under control this year due to the timely precautionary steps taken by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and the Health Department. Comparing this year’s figures to last year’s, he expressed satisfaction with the situation. Last year, by the same date, 11,840 tests had been conducted, resulting in 1,458 positive cases. In total, 6,403 dengue cases and 10 deaths were reported in J&K last year, while in 2022, the Union Territory saw 8,269 cases and 18 deaths. As of now, no dengue-related deaths have been reported this year, which Dr Raina described as a positive development.
Dr Raina also emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Health Department and the JMC, which are conducting fogging operations in dengue-prone areas.
The Department has been working to destroy mosquito breeding sites, raise public awareness, and control the spread of the disease. However, he stressed that the public also has a crucial role to play in preventing the proliferation of dengue. Citizens are urged to ensure that water does not stagnate in and around their homes. Water in flower pots, money plant containers, and water coolers should be changed every seven days to prevent mosquito larvae from developing. Stagnant water in discarded items such as old tires and cans should also be removed. Dr Raina added that people should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, particularly in high-risk areas.
“The Health Department has also been actively conducting spraying in the homes and surrounding areas of those affected by dengue. Field workers are deployed to identify and destroy any mosquito breeding sites in these areas. With coordinated efforts between the Health Department, JMC, and the public, we are optimistic about controlling the spread of dengue in the coming weeks,” he added.
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