Chandigarh : Dengue Cases Decline as Winter Sets In

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Dengue Cases Decline Across Tricity as Winter Sets In

The arrival of winter is offering respite to residents of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, as dengue cases show a significant decline. Health experts credit the drop to cooler temperatures, which hinder mosquito survival. Dengue transmission thrives within a temperature range of 18–31°C, making the colder weather less conducive to the spread of the virus.


Current Trends in Dengue Cases

  • Chandigarh: Daily cases have decreased from double to single digits, with 294 cases reported this year. A UT health official confirmed a consistent decline since last week.
  • Panchkula: The district has recorded 1,304 cases and three deaths this season. While the daily average once exceeded 20 cases, only one new case was reported on Saturday.
  • Mohali: Leading the tricity and Punjab with 1,468 cases, Mohali has seen a sharp reduction in new cases. Only seven were reported on Sunday, compared to 50–60 cases a week ago, with hotspots like Balongi seeing improvements.

Comparative Analysis with Previous Years

By November 1 last year:

  • Mohali had reported 953 cases,
  • Panchkula had 689 cases, and
  • Chandigarh recorded the lowest count at 454 cases.

Dengue Strains and Symptoms

Doctors have observed a prevalence of the Denv-2 strain this year, which is associated with severe symptoms such as:

  • High fever,
  • Vomiting,
  • Red chest spots,
  • Sore throat, and
  • Headaches.

In contrast, the Denv-1 strain typically causes milder symptoms like fever and body aches.

Given the overlap with symptoms of viral fever, medical professionals advise individuals with fever lasting more than three days to undergo antigen or antibody testing for an accurate diagnosis.


Preventative Measures and Public Awareness

While the drop in cases is encouraging, health officials emphasize the importance of continued preventive measures to keep dengue under control:

  • Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites: Residents should ensure there is no standing water in and around their homes, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • Using Protective Measures: Wearing full-sleeved clothing and using insect repellents can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
  • Raising Awareness: Local health departments are conducting campaigns to educate the public about the early symptoms of dengue and the importance of seeking timely medical care.

Looking Ahead

As the temperatures continue to drop, further declines in dengue cases are expected, offering much-needed relief to residents of the region. However, health experts warn against complacency, as unseasonal rains or warmer days could temporarily revive mosquito activity. Vigilance and proactive measures remain crucial to ensuring that the gains made during this cooler season are not reversed.

The concerted efforts of residents and authorities are proving instrumental in combating dengue, easing the strain on healthcare systems, and safeguarding public health.

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