Pune: According to data furnished by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Maharashtra has the highest number of dengue cases this year.
While states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal registered high number of cases last year, Maharashtra this year tops the list of the maximum dengue cases reported till September 30.
The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, which functions under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, stated that 4,667 dengue cases were reported in the State from January 1 till September 30 this year. Also, 18 deaths were registered in the State, which is the second highest in the country after Kerala, which reported 35 dengue deaths during the same period this year.
The data revealed that across India a total of 40,868 cases were reported while 83 patients died during the nine months. Though the numbers suggest that there is more awareness among patients as compared to the overall number of cases since 2015.
In 2015, as many as 99,913 patients were registered for dengue while 220 of them died across the country.
In all, 1,29,166 contracted the infection while 245 patients succumbed to the disease in 2016. The cases increased to 1,88,401 In 2017. Of these 325 patients died due to dengue.
Maharashtra in 2015 reported 4,936 cases and 23 deaths. The number of cases increased to 6,792 while 33 deaths were reported in 2016. The number of cases increased to 7,829 while the death toll went up to 65 in 2017.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Health Department State Surveillance Officer Dr Pradeep Awate said till November, around 8,000 cases were reported in the State.
“Over 40 deaths were reported due to dengue till October 31 this year in the State. Maximum cases of dengue and deaths were reported in Kolhapur, rural as well as urban areas. Followed by Mumbai and Nashik, Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad reported two deaths each,” said Dr Awate.
City scenario
Till November 30, around 400 cases were reported within the limits of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), said officials of the Health Department.
“We undertake awareness programmes related to dengue throughout the year within the city limits, followed by fogging and detection of breeding spots. Two deaths were reported within the PMC limits,” said Dr Sanjay Wavare, Head of the Insect Control Department of the PMC. He added that fresh medicines for dengue were procured in July.
