JAMMU, Sept 22: The dengue outbreak in Jammu and Kashmir has escalated, with nearly 1,000 cases reported across the Union Territory, and Jammu district accounting for over 60% of these cases. The surge has been most prominent in urban areas, with localities such as Muthi, Vinayak Nagar, Roop Nagar, Paloura, Janipur, and Gandhi Nagar being severely impacted. According to official reports, a total of 11,254 dengue tests have been conducted this year, of which 1,056 have returned positive. Notably, only nine cases have been reported from the Kashmir region, while eight cases involved residents of J&K from other states or union territories.
Jammu district has recorded 669 cases, with 613 coming from municipal areas and 56 from rural zones. Other affected districts include Samba (121 cases), Kathua (102), Udhampur (45), Reasi (25), Rajouri (25), Poonch (23), Doda (22), Ramban (6), and Kishtwar (1). On September 21 alone, 63 new cases were reported, predominantly from Jammu (46 cases), followed by Kathua (8), Samba (4), Reasi (2), Doda (2), and Rajouri (1).
The majority of cases have been recorded in September, with daily spikes such as 83 cases on September 17 and 81 on September 18. Despite the rise, health officials anticipate a decline in cases over the next month due to changing weather conditions and intensified control efforts.
State Malariologist Dr. DJ Raina expressed optimism about the situation, noting that dengue is relatively under control this year compared to last, thanks to timely precautionary measures taken by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and the Health Department. In 2022, the Union Territory reported 8,269 cases and 18 deaths, while 6,403 cases and 10 deaths were recorded last year. This year, no dengue-related deaths have been reported, marking a positive shift.
Dr. Raina highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Health Department and JMC, which have been conducting fogging operations in high-risk areas and working to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. He emphasized the critical role of public awareness in controlling dengue, urging citizens to ensure that water does not stagnate around their homes, which could facilitate mosquito breeding. Simple actions like changing water in flower pots, coolers, and containers every seven days, and clearing stagnant water from discarded tires and cans, can help prevent mosquito larvae from developing.
Dr. Raina urged the public to take personal preventive measures, such as applying mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing, especially in areas prone to dengue outbreaks. He highlighted that the Health Department is carrying out targeted spraying in the homes of affected individuals and has deployed field workers to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in these regions. Dr. Raina expressed optimism that, through coordinated efforts between the government, local authorities, and the public, the spread of dengue can be effectively curbed in the coming weeks.