Assam Health Department Sounds Dengue Alarm
The Assam health department has declared a state of high alert as the number of confirmed dengue infections across the state approaches the 600 mark this year. Health officials are intensifying surveillance and control measures to prevent a wider outbreak, with particular focus on urban areas.
Kamrup (Metro) District Emerges as Dengue Epicenter
Official data reveals a concerning concentration of cases in the Kamrup (Metro) district, which includes Guwahati city. This district has recorded the highest number of infections in Assam. According to the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), out of the 570 confirmed cases reported until Tuesday, a significant 73 cases are from Kamrup (Metro) alone.
A senior health department official commented on the urban nature of the disease, stating, "It's an urban disease, and Kamrup (Metro) being at the top of the tally is on expected lines." This trend is also being observed in neighbouring regions, including Bangladesh and other parts of Northeast India, which are witnessing a rise in cases during the post-monsoon period.
Changing Seasonal Patterns and a Significant Success
Dr. S Lakshmanan, the director of Assam National Health Mission, acknowledged the controlled situation so far but emphasized continued vigilance. "We have to be on high alert though dengue is under control in Assam so far," he stated on Tuesday. He also highlighted a crucial shift in the disease's timeline, noting that the dengue period now extends until January-February.
An analysis of the 2024 data shows that the highest numbers were reported in August with 118 cases, closely followed by September with 116 cases. While there was a decrease to 68 cases in October, the count had already reached 56 by mid-November. This pattern marks a change from previous years. In 2022, the peak was in October, while in 2023, it shifted to July. Last year, the state remained on alert for seven months, from September to January.
Amidst the concerns, the health department has achieved a major success: the state has not reported any dengue-related deaths this year. Officials also noted that while cases are present, they are not appearing in dense clusters, which aids in management and containment efforts.
Officials Cautiously Hopeful for the Remainder of the Year
Despite the encouraging signs, authorities have made it clear that Assam is not yet out of the danger zone. The extended transmission period and the consistent reporting of cases require sustained efforts in vector control and public awareness. However, there is a sense of cautious optimism that with continued vigilance, the situation will remain more or less controlled for the rest of the year.
