Jammu, Sept 21: Jammu and Kashmir continues to battle the seasonal spread of dengue, with 26 fresh cases reported on Saturday, pushing the cumulative tally for 2025 to 652. Health officials confirmed that a total of 284 diagnostic tests were carried out during the day, of which 15 males and 11 females tested positive. The fresh infections include one child under the age of 18 and 25 adults, reflecting the ongoing vulnerability across different age groups.
District-wise data reveals that Kathua once again recorded the highest number of new infections with 12 cases, taking its overall count to 194. Jammu district followed with 9 fresh positives, raising its cumulative figure to 231. Two new cases were reported from Udhampur, while Rajouri, Doda, and Kashmir recorded one case each. Additionally, health authorities confirmed that 10 dengue cases detected this year involved patients from outside the Union Territory.
Since January, the health department has conducted 11,982 tests, yielding 652 positives. In comparison, during the same period in 2024, 10,851 tests were carried out and 1,036 cases had been reported. The data indicates a lower positivity rate this year, though officials continue to caution against complacency given the unpredictable nature of vector-borne diseases.
On the clinical side, no new hospital admissions were reported on Saturday. Seven patients remain under treatment, while a total of 20 individuals have required hospitalization for dengue-related complications so far in 2025. Medical experts reiterated the importance of preventive measures such as eliminating stagnant water sources, using mosquito nets and repellents, and seeking early medical advice in case of persistent fever, joint pain, or rashes.
Public health officials added that awareness campaigns are being intensified in vulnerable districts, with a special focus on Kathua and Jammu, which together account for nearly two-thirds of the current year’s total cases. Authorities have also urged citizens to cooperate with field workers during fumigation and larvicide-spraying drives to curb mosquito breeding.