Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 10: As the mercury plummeted, the dengue cases in Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed a decline as fewer cases are being reported across the Union Territory.
As per the details available, 6,822 cases of dengue and one death have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far.
An official from State Epidemiology said that the majority of the cases (4041) were reported from Jammu district alone. The district was followed by Samba with 701 cases, Kathua with 698 cases and Udhampur with 349 cases, he said.
“A total of 192 cases have been reported in Rajouri, 348 in Reasi, 215 in Doda, 77 in Ramban, 78 in Poonch, 26 in Kishtwar, 29 in Kashmir and 43 from other areas,” he said.
In the year 2022, over 8,000 dengue cases and 18 deaths were reported while in 2023 over 6,000 cases and eight deaths were reported.
According to the data for more than a decade, 1,709 cases were reported in 2021, 439 in 2019, 53 in 2020, 214 in 2018, 488 in 2017, 79 in 2016, 153 in 2015, four in 2014, 1 837 in 2013, 16 in 2012, three in 2011, none in 2010 and two in 2009.
According to the official, the cases are on decline now but advised people to take “pre-emptive” measures in the absence of a dengue vaccine and called for proactive prevention to combat the painful ailment.
He said a total of 507 dengue patients have been admitted to the hospitals till date and of them, 492 have been discharged and three patients are still under treatment.
“Panic is unnecessary but vigilance and preventive measures are crucial,” he said.
The official said that individuals who test positive for dengue should prioritise physical and mental rest, maintain proper hydration, and consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Outlining a comprehensive approach to dengue prevention, he urged people to manage and modify the environment to prevent mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying habitats. “This involves proper disposal of solid waste, removal of artificial water-holding containers, and regular cleaning and maintenance of domestic water storage units,” he said and recommended appropriate use of insecticides in outdoor water storage containers.
Healthcare professionals recommend eliminating stagnant water that serves as mosquito breeding sites at home, schools, workplaces, and their surroundings to prevent dengue.
They suggested avoiding mosquito bites by covering the body and using mosquito nets when sleeping during the day, which should be sprayed with insect repellents.
Common symptoms of dengue, as described by doctors, include fever, headache, eye pain (typically behind the eyes), muscle, joint, or bone pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting, the doctors said.
