Ghaziabad is witnessing a rapid growth in dengue cases. The numbers have reached a 10 year high with 1,245 cases recorded in the district till Wednesday, according to the district health officials. There were also four dengue-related deaths reported this season.
Statistics from the district reveal a progression in dengue instances over the years: 226 cases in 2014, 621 in 2015, 232 in 2017, 68 in 2018, 88 in 2019, 15 in 2020, 1,238 in 2021, and 662 in 2022. Health officials noted that the previous highest count, at 1,623 cases, was reported in 2013.
Officials attributed the upsurge this year partly to improved diagnostic services and enhanced reporting.
Dr. Rakesh Gupta, district surveillance officer, stated, “We established around 104 dedicated dengue beds in government hospitals, with an occupancy rate of approximately 20%. Despite this, we recorded four deaths. Our surveillance teams extensively covered the city, pinpointing sensitive areas where intensive actions were carried out.”
These sensitive zones include Govindpuram, Bhanhera, Mirzapur, Vijay Nagar, Harsaon, Indirapuram, Vasundhara, and other localities.
“We conducted door-to-door inspections, especially in areas like Indirapuram and Vasundhara, which showed higher case numbers. Additionally, we intensified mosquito larvae checks and expanded our domestic breeding inspection team, significantly contributing to anti-larvae efforts this season,” added Dr. Gupta.
Health experts warned that the actual number of dengue cases might surpass reported figures due to selective testing for complications. Dr. Ashish Agarwal, former president of the Indian Medical Association (Ghaziabad chapter), mentioned, “Not all dengue patients opt for confirmatory tests; usually, those experiencing complications seek testing. Once temperatures drop further, we anticipate a decline in cases.”
Meanwhile, the Gautam Budh Nagar health department reported a decrease in dengue cases post-Diwali that was November 12.
Dr. Shruti Verma, the district malaria officer (DMO), highlighted, “Post-Diwali, the district has witnessed a significant decline in fresh dengue cases, with only one or two cases reported every two to three days.”
Authorities attributed the drop to declining temperatures, indicating the virus’s inactivity during lower temperatures.
However, health department officials noted that the 2023 count surpassed figures from the last two years. In 2022, the district reported 468 dengue cases, while 637 cases were recorded in 2021.