Chandigarh: Four-fold rise in dengue cases in 5 days; 6 new cases on Thursday

In more than four-fold increase in the number of dengue cases in a four-day period beginning September 11, 112 patients in Chandigarh have now contracted the disease. Six new dengue cases were reported on Thursday itself.

In more than four-fold increase in the number of dengue cases in a four-day period beginning September 11, 112 patients in Chandigarh have now contracted the disease. Six new dengue cases were reported on Thursday itself.

Four cases of chikungunya, not reported in the city for some years at least, have already been reported. (Representative image)

Four cases of chikungunya, not reported in the city for some years at least, have already been reported.

Till September 11, the UT health department had been claiming that there were only 25 dengues cases and information from officials was hard to come by. After a few papers reported the difference in number reported by the UT health department and the actual scenario, the count of dengue cases increased to 98 the very next (September 12). (see box)

Is this an epidemic?

“More than seven cases can cause epidemic. However, this is not the case in Chandigarh. We are getting isolated cases not from a single area. This means that there is no local transmission of infection. Moreover, there is no death because of dengue,” he added.

Till date 30 challans, 50 show-cause notices and more than 2,000 notices have been issued to people not maintaining hygiene.

Fast-growing disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already declared dengue fever as the world’s fastest growing vector-borne disease, with a 30-fold increase in its incidence over the past 50 years. The WHO warns:

Fengshui plants and other potted plants, especially those kept in petri dishes, can accumulate water which can be an ideal breeding spot. Apart from plants, if air-conditioning units and water tanks are also breeding grounds.