Vector-borne diseases on the rise in Rajasthan, September-October crucial

JAIPUR: Vector-borne diseases have became a big cause of concern for the health department as there has been a significant rise in the number of dengue and malaria cases in the state.

Health department has already expressed its concern over the spread and has asked district collectors to expedite the anti-larvae activities including fogging. In most of the parts of the state, fogging has not been started despite the mosquitoes breeding, as water stagnation during the monsoon has given conducive environment for the breeding of the mosquitoes.

TOI on Thursday accessed the figures of the vector-borne diseases including dengue, malaria and chikungunya and it was found that compared to last year, there has been a rise in dengue and Chikungunya. “Up till September 2020, there were 717 dengue cases which are 1,022 so far. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported, still there is a need to remain alert on the vector-borne diseases especially dengue,” said Ravi Prakash Sharma, additional director (rural health).

He added that the department has been monitoring the progress of the anti-larvae activities in the state. “Also, malaria is a big cause of concern. Compared to 449 positive cases in September 2020 there are 649 cases in this year so far,” said an officer with the health department. Authorities stated that the months of September and October would be crucial in terms of vector-borne diseases.

Doctors further stated that patients with high fever are advised to go for dengue, malaria and chikungunya tests apart from the RT-PCR tests. “September and October are going to be very crucial for doctors too as it would be challenging to diagnose the reason of the fever, which could be dengue, malaria or chikungunya,” said a senior physician at the SMS Hospital.

It may be recalled that the state had reported seven deaths due to dengue. “Also, last year, 2,023 cases of dengue were found while 1,015 cases of chikungunya were also found,” said an officer.