Dry weather aids in spread of dengue

30 cases of disease reported so far, situation like to improve with dip in mercury

Prevailing dry weather condition is aiding in the spread of dengue with the Health Department officials saying that the situation is expected to improve with the dip in temperature.

Dry weather aids in spread of dengueAbout 30 cases of the vector borne disease have been reported so far in the region.

Dengue spreading mosquitoes don’t breed in cold weather and it is expected that situation will improve after October 20, said a Health Department official.At present, the maximum temperature is hovering between 30 and 34 degree Celsius, perfect for breeding of aedes aegypti (mosquito that spreads dengue fever), said the Health official.

Entire Jammu region, especially the southern districts, has not seen much rainfall this year.

Though no death has been reported this year so far, the Health Department is monitoring the situation closely.

“Weather condition during the last one month played an important role in the spread of fever. Despite our efforts, some cases were reported but they have been detected at early stage and provided with necessary treatment. Next three weeks are crucial. Change in temperature will affect the breeding capacity of the mosquitoes,” said Director, Health, Jammu, Dr GS Pathania.

The first case of dengue was reported in the region in last week of August.

People continue to live in fear even as the government has claimed that adequate measures have been taken to contain the spread of dengue.

Residents in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Hiranagar and Akhnoor particularly are concerned about the growing number of patients with dengue symptoms.

“The primary cause of dengue fever is aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow-fever mosquito. Aegypti is recognised by white stripes on its legs. It is particularly successful at spreading dengue as it feeds almost exclusively on humans and is active during the day,” said a doctor at Government Medical College (GMC) here.

Not treated early, the vector borne disease can develop into life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever, resulting in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets and blood plasma leakage, the doctor said.

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