Dengue News: Great News! Dengue Wreaks Havoc In Punjab, India. Current Infection Rates On Target To Surpass Last Years’s Record!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 11, 2023 1 year, 1 month, 1 week, 4 days, 15 hours, 29 minutes ago
Dengue News: In a concerning turn of events, the state of Punjab, India, is grappling with a severe surge in dengue cases, with the number of reported cases crossing the 10,000 mark. As of November 10, this year has witnessed 10,654 cases, surpassing the 7,586 cases recorded during the same period last year. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that the state had reported a total of 11,030 cases in the entire preceding year.
Hotspots
According to local
Dengue News reports, among the worst-hit districts is Hoshiarpur, where 1,323 cases have been reported, making it the epicenter of the outbreak. Following closely are Mohali with 1,101 cases and Ludhiana with 969 cases. Other regions, including Patiala, Kapurthala, and Bathinda, are also grappling with a high number of positive cases, painting a grim picture across the state.
Underreported Cases and Testing Challenges
While the official count stands at 10,654 cases, there are concerns about underreporting in certain districts due to limited testing. The state health department reveals that seven districts conducted no dengue tests on a recent Friday, while six others conducted only one or two tests. Particularly alarming is the situation in densely populated districts like Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali, where the sampling remains woefully inadequate. Authorities are urging nodal officers to intensify testing efforts to capture the true extent of the outbreak.
Dengue-Related Deaths
The surge in dengue cases has been accompanied by a grim tally of eight deaths attributed to the disease in the last 7 days. Health officials emphasize the need for accurate reporting and testing to effectively combat the outbreak. Some districts have been slow to respond, highlighting the urgency for a comprehensive and widespread testing strategy.
Rainfall Complicates the Situation
The recent rainfall in the state has added a new layer of complexity to the dengue crisis. Dr Sumeet Singh, the nodal officer of the dengue program, expresses concern that the rain could lead to new breeding points for mosquitoes, potentially triggering a fresh wave of infections. This setback complicates the anticipated decline in cases, creating a more challenging scenario for health authorities.
Healthcare System Strain
The escalating dengue outbreak is taking a toll on the healthcare system in Punjab. Hospitals are grappling with high admission rates due to the severity of dengue cases, and outpatient clinics are inundated with individuals seeking treatment for dengue infections. Moreover, there is a shortage of healthcare staff, exacerbating the situation, as many healthcare workers themselves have fallen victim to the virus.
Round-the-Clock Duties for Doctors
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, the Punjab health department has mandated round-the-clock duties for doctors. The increasing caseload and strain on the healthcare system necessitate continuous medical attention for patients infected with the vector-borne disease.
Conclusion
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As dengue wreaks havoc in Punjab, urgent and comprehensive measures are needed to curb the spread of the disease. Adequate testing, accurate reporting, and a concerted effort to address the strain on the healthcare system are crucial elements in the battle against this escalating public health crisis. The situation demands immediate attention and collaborative action from health authorities, medical professionals, and the community at large.
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