GURGAON: The city on Monday confirmed its first dengue cases this year, after three patients tested positive for the vector-borne disease.
Health department officials said dozens of patients with viral-like symptoms are suspected to be infected with the virus, and dengue cases are likely to rise, especially during this warm and humid weather.
Those diagnosed with dengue are a 28-year-old woman from Bilaspur Chowk, another woman (26) from Wazirabad and a 36-year-old man from Dundahera. The man is admitted to a hospital in the city, and the other two are recovering at home.
With Gurgaon's tally, the state has recorded a total of 97 dengue cases, including a fatality in Nuh, this year. The most affected districts are Jind, with 42 cases, followed by Yamunanagar (10) and Sonipat (8).
Last year, Gurgaon recorded 440 dengue cases, higher than 327 diagnosed in 2021, though the year also saw one fatality linked to the disease.
In recent years, the city had seen the highest number of cases in 2015, when 451 people were infected. The figure stood at 86 in 2016, 66 in 2017 and 93 in 2018. At 51, cases were far lower in 2020, when most of the monsoon was marked by the pandemic lockdown.
Experts said the season - typically warm and muggy weather that is favourable for breeding of the Aedes mosquito, which spreads the dengue virus - is far from over. Residents with flu-like symptoms should reach out to doctors instead of self-medicating, and others should take preventive measures such as wearing full-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellents.
"We have three confirmed cases and several others suspected to be suffering from dengue fever. People need to be cautious and should check their overhead tanks, flowerpots and water coolers to remove any stagnant water. They are advised to wear full-sleeved clothing and to use mosquito repellents," said Dr Virender Yadav, chief medical officer, Gurgaon.
Dengue is transmitted by several species of mosquitoes within the genus Aedes. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a characteristic skin rash like that in measles.
"It is crucial that patients with dengue symptoms should not take over-the-counter medication. They should consult doctors and should act as advised," the CMO added.
The department had, last week, asked MCG to start fogging drives in the neighbourhoods (up to 50 houses) where the dengue patients reside. Till July 20 this year, the health department issued 2,371 notices to residents and commercial units after around 26.7 lakh structures were inspected and 12,441 larvae found. Areas where the majority of larvae were found include DLF-1, 2, 3, 4, sectors 46, 57, 67 and Sushant Lok-1.
"We have already asked the MCG to intensify fogging in several areas of the city to curb the menace of dengue mosquitoes. Our teams are also carrying out fogging outside the municipal limits," Yadav said.
According to doctors, it is essential for people to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms.
"At this point, it is difficult to assess the exact strain of dengue - whether it's DEN 1, 2, 3, 4 or any new strain. But we are closely monitoring the patients and their response to treatment to understand the severity and impact of these strains. In such a situation, our primary goal is to provide the best possible care to the affected individuals. Our medical team is working diligently to alleviate symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rashes apart from managing complications and ensuring the well-being of each patient," said Dr Pankaj Verma, senior consultant for internal medicine at the Narayana Superspeciality Hospital in Gurgaon.
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