Dengue stings: At 526, cases more than double of last year in Chandigarh
In 2016, Chandigarh recorded 222 dengue cases by September 23. This past week, 100 new cases were reported.
Dengue is taking a toll on the health of the city residents. As many as 526 cases of dengue have been reported, which is double the number of cases reported last year till this time of the year.
In 2016, Chandigarh recorded 222 dengue cases by September 23. This past week, 100 new cases were reported. On Sunday, 18 new cases took the count to 526. The total count of dengue cases in 2016 was 1,246.
Despite health officials’ claims of deploying extra manpower in the affected areas, the number is only increasing. The data shared by the health officials reveal the maximum number of cases is from periphery areas of the city, including colonies in Manimajra, Khuda Ali Sher, Dhanas, Dadumajra and others.
Last year the maximum number of cases were reported from Manimajra.
The health officials have passed on the blame of the increasing number of dengue cases on residents, who they believe are not maintaining cleanliness despite being told by the health workers.
“They expect us to visit their homes every week and clean their water coolers. Do you think, it is possible?,” asked a health official.
He said, “We have constituted teams who visit every house in their area. They check and clean mosquito breeding sites, educate people about not allowing water to stagnate for over 7 days. Still, when the teams visit the same houses, they find out mosquito breeding sites.”
He said that most common mosquito breeding sites are coolers, overhead water tanks, bowls, and old model refrigerators.
Also, six government buildings were issued show-cause notices by the health officials.
“We have made a schedule for fogging. Then extra teams have been deployed at Manimajra and Khuda Ali Sher,” he said.
The doctor said the disease will be hard to bring under control if people don’t cooperate.