Dengue count crosses 16K mark in U.P; critical cases low this year

Dengue cases in the state have surpassed 16k, nearing last year's total of 19,821. Lucknow has reported 1,460 cases, over 8% of the total in the state. Increased testing labs and early detection have helped with surveillance, but hospitalizations have decreased this year. The state capital reported 38 new cases on Monday.

The dengue surge continues unabated in the state. On Monday, the cases crossed 16k mark inching closer to its previous year total of 19,821 cases.

Lucknow on Monday reported 38 fresh dengue cases. (Sourced)

According to the integrated disease surveillance portal (IDSP), a total 16,046 dengue cases have been reported in the state till now with major caseload from these districts – Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budhh Nagar, Meerut, Bareilly, Moradabad, Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Firozabad. Lucknow has reported a total 1,460 cases till now which is over 8% of the total cases in the state.

Officials say with increase in number of testing labs in state, early detection is being done for suspected cases and with increased surveillance in state, for every new case the number of cases is high. But the number of critical cases is low and hence hospitalisation is required for less patients this year.

“Till last year, there were 74 state surveillance labs (SSL) and two apex labs. This year we have 84 SSL and two apex labs, which has reduced reporting time for quick identification and helped in quick surveillance for new cases,” said a senior official in the health department.

“This year people too are taking fever seriously. Patients are approaching doctors if they have fever for more than a day and hence early diagnosis is possible,” said Dr Amita Shukla, senior consultant at SC Trivedi Memorial Trust Hospital.