50 more dengue cases reported in Ghaziabad

There has been no let-up in the number of dengue cases in the city despite a dip in temperature over the last fortnight. The health department reported 50 positive cases in the last week.

There has been no let-up in the number of dengue cases in the city despite a dip in temperature over the last fortnight. The health department reported 50 positive cases in the last week.

The health department reported 50 positive cases in the last week. (Shutterstock photo)

The department screened 250 samples in the last six days of which 50 cases were tested positive from Ghaziabad. Besides, two from Noida, four from Hapur and one each from Bulandshahr and Delhi have also been tested positive. The total number of positive dengue cases reported in 2015 has risen to 400 of a total of 3,550 samples screened.

According to officials from the health department, dengue is expected to last until the end of November.

“Usually, dengue cases last till Diwali, but it is possible that it will last till the end of November this year. But, the incidence rate has declined as of 40 samples screened, only two to four come out positive these days,” GR Mishra, district malaria officer of Ghaziabad, said.

Mishra added that dengue cases were not concentrated in a specific area and cases were being reported from areas around the city.

However, according to doctors, the number of patients with dengue or similar symptoms is declining with each passing day.

“Once the temperature drops below 30 degree Celsius, the Aedes mosquito cannot survive. At the most, only one or two patients are coming with dengue-like symptoms, but there are no confirmed cases,” Dr Sanjay Garg, medical director at Shanti Gopal Hospital in Indirapuram, said.

Meanwhile, with dengue cases still being reported, the district health department along with the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation has extended the schedule of fogging in the city.

The fogging exercise, which started in September was scheduled till October 31. The schedule has now been extended till November 11, health department officials said.