December’s here, and it’s still not cold enough! The temperature hasn’t fallen very low as expected in this month of December in 2015, and this is the main reason why dengue cases are still on the high, say the health officials. This year almost 950 cases of dengue have already been reported and according to sources nearly three cases are brought to light daily.
The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is still breeding and if precautions are not exerted on time then there may be more dengue cases adding on this month. According to Dr Anil Garg, nodal officer at the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme or NVBDCP , “The entire region, including the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pardesh, Delhi, has witnessed spurt in the dengue cases this year, though the reason is not known as the subtype two of the dengue virus was found last year as well. So, we can’t claim that the mutation of the dengue virus is the prime reason.”
One confirmed death and nearly three speculated deaths because of dengue have been reported. Talking about this Garg stated “Several deaths and more dengue cases have been prevented by the UT health department’s strict actions, though the possibility of death due to dengue is still there, hence we should remain alert.”
The Epidemic Disease act has categorized Dengue as “notifiable” and the health department has issued nearly 80 challans and almost 1,500 notices, against the people who have not respected the rules laid down by the NVBDCP.
Dr Rakesh Sehgal working at medical parasitology in the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, has confirmed that unless the temperature falls there will be no respite from the vector borne disease and the increased temperature is the reason why the dengue cases are still reporting. High temperature, humidity levels are the main reasons why dengue mosquito breeds and this year November and December have seen a 3-4 degree higher maximum and minimum temperature.
