Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 5: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a continuous rise in dengue cases this year, with a total of 5,059 cases and one death confirmed so far.
Data accessed reveals that of the reported cases, 3,156 are from Jammu, 539 from Samba, 473 from Kathua, 257 from Udhampur, 214 from Reasi, 125 from Rajouri, 59 from Poonch, 117 from Doda, 47 from Ramban, 19 from Kishtwar, 19 from Kashmir, and 34 from other states.
State Malariologist Dr D.J. Raina said that while cases continue to rise, the situation is under control. “So far, 27,809 tests have been conducted, with 5,059 returning positive. By this time last year, 38,331 tests had been conducted, and 5,269 were positive,” he said.
Dr Raina said that out of the 5,059 positive cases, 475 were admitted to hospitals. Among them, 385 have been discharged, 78 remain under treatment, and one patient has succumbed to the disease.
To curb the spread of dengue, the malariologist urged the public to take preventive measures. “Since there is no vaccine for dengue, proactive prevention is essential,” he said, adding, “Authorities are implementing effective measures to contain dengue, and while vigilance is necessary, there is no need to panic.”
Dr Raina advised individuals who test positive for dengue to prioritise physical and mental rest, maintain proper hydration, and consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. He cautioned against self-medication, particularly the use of painkillers, which can aggravate bleeding tendencies in severe forms of dengue.
Testing facilities are available at every district hospital, where 20 beds have been set aside for dengue patients, the State Malariologist said. He said that samples are being taken at the block and sub-district levels, which will be transported to district hospitals under cold chain conditions for testing. Results will be communicated to suspected patients via WhatsApp or telephone, he added.
Dr Raina outlined a comprehensive approach to dengue prevention, urging the public to manage their environments to prevent mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying habitats. “This includes proper disposal of solid waste, removal of artificial water-holding containers, and regular cleaning of domestic water storage units. The appropriate use of insecticides in outdoor water storage containers was also recommended,” he said.
Highlighting the primary vector of dengue, the Aedes mosquito, Dr Raina explained that it has adapted to urban habitats and breeds primarily in man-made containers such as buckets, mud pots, discarded containers, used tyres and any stagnant water. These breeding sites should be regularly cleared and cleaned.
The Aedes mosquito is most active during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk, so people are advised to wear clothing that minimises skin exposure. Healthcare professionals recommend eliminating stagnant water around homes, schools, and workplaces to prevent dengue. They also advise covering the body and using mosquito nets when sleeping.
Common symptoms of dengue include fever, headache, eye pain (typically behind the eyes), muscle, joint, or bone pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting.
According to officials, Jammu & Kashmir reported around 6,403 cases of dengue in 2023 and 8,269 cases in 2022, the highest number on record, along with 18 fatalities in 2022. Previous years’ figures include two cases in 2009, none in 2010, three in 2011, 16 in 2012, 1,837 in 2013, four in 2014, 153 in 2015, 79 in 2016, 488 in 2017, 214 in 2018, 439 in 2019, 53 in 2020, and 1,709 in 2021.
