Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 2: Dengue cases are on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir with 1,142 infections reported so far this year, health officials confirmed on Thursday.
An official said that the cases include 467 from Jammu, 95 from Samba, 338 from Kathua, 106 from Udhampur, 23 from Reasi, 43 from Rajouri, 12 from Poonch, 14 from Doda, 10 from Ramban, one from Kishtwar, 14 from Kashmir, and 19 from other states.
He said a total of 15,207 tests have been conducted this year. Of the confirmed patients, only 31 required hospitalisation, seven are still under treatment, while one J&K resident succumbed to the disease at DMC Ludhiana.
“People must adopt preemptive measures to combat this painful mosquito-borne infection in the absence of any vaccine,” the official cautioned.
Doctors said that dengue, caused by viruses transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, remains a persistent health concern in the region. They said the best way to prevent dengue fever is to eliminate pockets of stagnant water that serve as mosquito breeding sites—in homes, schools, workplaces, and surrounding areas.
Mosquito repellents and full-sleeved clothing are essential protective measures, they added.
According to doctors, dengue-spreading mosquitoes are most active during the day, particularly at dusk and dawn. They advised covering as much of the body as possible, using mosquito nets if sleeping during the day, and spraying nets with repellents.
The common symptoms include fever, severe headache, eye pain (behind the eyes), muscle or joint pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting.
Doctors warned that stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, vomiting blood, blood in stools, extreme fatigue, or restlessness could indicate severe dengue requiring immediate medical attention.
J&K has seen fluctuating dengue patterns in recent years.
In 2024, J&K recorded approximately 7,000 dengue cases. The year 2023 saw 6,403 cases, and 2022 recorded the highest ever—8,269 cases with 18 deaths. In comparison, earlier years saw lower figures, including just two cases in 2009, zero in 2010, and gradual increases in subsequent years.
Authorities have reiterated their appeal for public cooperation in reducing mosquito breeding to curb the spread this year.
