Dual Mosquito-Borne Disease Outbreak in Nagpur Amid Intensifying Monsoon
Nagpur – As the monsoon season intensifies, Nagpur district faces a daunting dual threat of mosquito-borne diseases, with rural areas witnessing a surge in dengue cases and the city grappling with a rapid rise in chikungunya infections.
Health department data highlights a concerning trend. In the first 25 days of July, rural Nagpur reported an alarming 72 dengue cases, translating to a nearly 15% positivity rate. This marks a three-fold increase from the previous month. Meanwhile, chikungunya, though less prevalent, is also escalating, with 12 rural cases reported since June.
The urban scenario is equally troubling. Chikungunya cases have soared, with 56 reported in July alone. All cases this year have emerged within the last two months, indicating rapid escalation. While dengue is less dominant in the city, it remains persistent, with 14 cases reported in July.
Dr. Aditi Tyagi, District Malaria Officer, underscored the importance of public awareness, particularly in rural regions. The health department is ramping up fogging operations in hotspots and encouraging measures such as eliminating water stagnation and using mosquito repellents.
Recent reports from Nagpur’s hospitals reveal a steep increase in hospitalizations due to vector-borne illnesses, leaving beds fully occupied, especially for patients experiencing severe symptoms like high fever, joint pain, and dehydration. Medical experts stress the need for hospital admission for serious cases, especially among children and the elderly.
In a related development, Dr. Kalpana Mahatme, Deputy Director of Health Services, cautioned against excessive fogging, highlighting its potential harm to children and the elderly and advocating for managing stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.
This mosquito-borne disease surge echoes a similar trend in Gurgaon, where 17 dengue cases have been reported in six weeks, prompting door-to-door surveys and preventive measures.
As Nagpur and surrounding regions confront this public health challenge, the emphasis remains on awareness, prevention, and effective medical response to curb the threat of dengue and chikungunya.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/rural-areas-under-dengue-grip-city-gasps-under-rise-of-chikungunya/amp_articleshow/112072210.cms
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