Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 18: While the threat of dreaded COVID is not yet over and threat of third wave is looming large, more than 20 cases of dengue have also been diagnosed across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir thus keeping the Health Department on its toes.
Official sources here said that the dengue cases have seen a slight rise across the Union Territory and as many as 22 cases have been reported so far, mostly from Jammu. Meanwhile, an official said that the Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations have also been engaged in the fight against Dengue and Malaria with the start of fumigation exercise to prevent its spread. Till June there were only five patients but thereafter 17 more people were infected with dengue, sources said and added that out of the total 22 cases, 17 are from Jammu district comprising 11 men and six women. One patient each is from Samba, Rajouri, Udhampur and Kupwara districts while one patient is a resident of another State. In Kupwara also, one person was diagnosed with Dengue, who had returned from another State. Last year, Dengue was confirmed in 37 patients, sources said. More Dengue cases are reported in the months from July to September, adding they said that Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts are the most affected in Jammu division and cases are rare in other districts. The Health Department has identified 420 ponds where Dengue mosquito larvae are found. Dengue mosquitoes are more likely to breed between 15 to 30 degree Celsius temperature and the dengue mosquitoes occur in stagnant water, they said. People are constantly being made aware of this, a State Malaria Official said. In the year 2013, Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts witnessed highest Dengue cases ever. As per official data, in 2011 (04), in 2012 (07), 2013 (1838), 2014 (01), 2015 (153), 2016 (79), 2017 (226), 2018 (168), 2019 (105), 2020 (37) and in 2021 so far, 22 cases are reported.
When contacted the Director Health Services Jammu, Dr Renu Sharma said that about 22 cases of Dengue have been reported in different parts of Jammu region. But the Department has taken all measures to control its spread. She however said that COVID is fully under control as on today.
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