23 Districts Affected as Mohali, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Patiala Witness Rapid Increase

Dengue Cases in Punjab Latest News: Punjab is grappling with a mounting dengue crisis, as the number of afflicted individuals surpasses 10,000, causing heightened concern within the health department. Despite the alarming figures, authorities reassure that all state hospitals are providing free examinations and treatment, urging patients not to panic and to seek immediate assistance at the nearest government healthcare facility if they suspect infection.

Widespread Dengue Infections

The relentless surge of dengue cases has cast a shadow across 23 districts in the state. Many districts have already recorded over 500 cases, with Mohali, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Patiala bearing the brunt of the outbreak. In response, the government has directed Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Panchayats to initiate public awareness campaigns and educate communities about the disease. Moreover, they are conducting larval checks to curb dengue larvae proliferation.

The Current situation stands in stark contrast to the previous year when the number of dengue patients was around 11,000. Adarshpal Kaur, Director of Punjab Health Department, encourages people to take preventive measures and avoid the disease. In September, Hoshiarpur district saw a significant increase in dengue cases, becoming the top affected district. In terms of district-wise statistics, Ludhiana has reported 867 dengue cases, with 15 fatalities and 166 active patients.

Dengue Cases

Year          Case             Deaths
2016        10439               15
2017        15398               18
2018        14980               09
2019        10170               14
2020         8345                22
2021        28389               55
2022        11030               41
2023    Over 10,000

Dengue Symptoms

Dengue is characterized by severe headaches, high fever, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and nosebleeds, especially in advanced stages. The public is advised to promptly contact a government hospital if such symptoms emerge since dengue testing and treatment are provided free of charge.

Preventive Steps

Preventive measures include not allowing stagnant water around homes, ensuring water containers and tanks are securely covered, and regular cleaning and drying of coolers and tanks. It's essential to be aware that dengue-spreading mosquitoes are active during the day, necessitating the use of clothing that fully covers the body. Public awareness and concerted efforts are key to combat this surging health challenge in Punjab.