Even cold fails to curb dengue, C’gunya: 15 cases in 2 months

Bhopal: Ten dengue and five chikungunya cases have already been reported in the city during the first two months of 2026, according to official health data. The positivity rate for dengue stood at 2.7%, while chikungunya registered a higher rate of nearly 5.5%. The figures show that mosquito-borne illnesses continue to surface even during peak winter months, when severe cold usually suppresses transmission.According to Bhopal's district malaria office (DMO) in Jan, 257 samples were tested for dengue, with seven positives. Feb saw 113 tests and three positives. For chikungunya, 72 samples were tested in Jan, yielding three positives, and 29 samples were examined in Feb, with two positives confirmed. Both diseases have become recurring public health challenges, particularly during monsoon and postmonsoon seasons when mosquito breeding is at its peak.Officials said the detection of cases in Jan and Feb highlights the resilience of these infections and the need for year- round vigilance. While the numbers remain limited compared to peak transmission periods, the presence of positives indicates that breeding sites and transmission pockets continue to exist in the city. Public health experts advise eliminating stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, and seeking early testing for fever cases. The health department is expected to intensify surveillance as temperatures rise in the coming months, when mosquito activity typically increases, official said.