Gurgaon records 17 dengue cases in 6 weeks, 5 areas emerge as hotspots

GURGAON: The city has reported 17 dengue cases since June 6, when it saw its first case this year. As the city is experiencing extremely humid weather conditions, the number of dengue cases is likely to surge in the coming days, health department officials said.

It has identified five localities as hotspots, including Wazirabad, Bhangrola, Nakhrola, Badshapur and Bhondsi. Officials said dozens of patients showing viral fever symptoms are suspected to be infected with the virus. Of the 17 reported cases, 10 did not necessitate hospitalisation.

"We are conducting door-to-door fever surveys. People need to be vigilant and inspect their overhead tanks, flowerpots, and water coolers to ensure there is no stagnant water. They are advised to wear full-sleeved clothing and to use mosquito repellents," said Dr Virender Yadav, the chief medical officer.

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 resembling that of measles.

"We have been carrying out geo-tagging of active cases and are also marking hotspots using GIS. We have asked MCG to carry out fogging in such areas," Yadav said.

Experts said the season - typically warm and muggy weather that is favourable for breeding of Aedes mosquito, which spreads the dengue virus - is far from over. Residents with flu-like symptoms should consult doctors instead of self-medicating, and others should take preventive measures such as wearing full-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellents, they said.

Last year, the city recorded 276 dengue cases and one fatality. In 2022, it recorded 440 cases, while in 2021, there were 327 dengue cases and one death. The city witnessed 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. While 22 cases were reported in 2019, 51 cases were recorded in 2020.

According to doctors, it is crucial for people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms.

Dr Ashutosh Shukla, senior director (internal medicine) and medical advisor at Max Hospital, said: "In recent days, there has been a noticeable surge in dengue cases and other infections, including respiratory ailments. We are observing a rise of around 25% in fever cases. There has been a significant increase in people with symptoms such as cough, sneeze, fever, and/or flu."



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