GUWAHATI, Nov 7 - Dengue has been a serious public health challenge in Assam for many years. But fortunately, this time the number of reported dengue cases is comparatively lower than in the previous year.
As per information availed from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) Assam, till date this year a total of 30 positive dengue cases have been reported in the State with no fatality, while last year during the corresponding period as many as 155 cases were reported across the State.
According to health specialists dengue cases are generally reported in the State from June to December and as per previous records there is a chance of upsurge in dengue cases in November.
Meanwhile, there is an argument that due to the pandemic, many people did not come forward for dengue tests. This could be the reason why the number of reported cases has remained low in comparison to previous years. Notably, fever is the common symptom for both COVID-19 and dengue.
�This time we have been carrying out extensive surveillance at ground level for all kinds of vector-borne diseases. Due to this I think, the number of cases has remained low in comparison to last year. Still, we cannot ignore the apprehension because a section of people don�t want to go for the test for fear of the pandemic. If the number of dengue cases again sees a surge next year, then we will be able to say that the apprehension is true to some extent,� a senior official of the State health department said.
As per records of previous years, dengue is endemic to Assam and the disease appears mostly in the post-monsoon period. Earlier, Guwahati was also a hot-spot for the disease, but this time only two cases have been reported in the city till date.
The cause behind outbreak of the disease in Assam is mainly unplanned urbanisation, population movement, lack of proper waste management and inadequate vector-control measures.
Dengue occurs mainly in urban areas as the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which is the vector of the disease, usually breeds in desert coolers, drums, jars, pots, buckets, flower vases, plant saucers, tanks, cisterns, bottles, tins, tyres, roof gutters, refrigerator drip pans, cement blocks, cemetery urns, bamboo stumps, coconut shells, tree holes and many more places where rainwater collects or is stored.
�The restriction, imposed by the lockdown, on movement of public could also be a reason behind the lower number of dengue cases in Assam this time. We are also working to reduce the source of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito for the past few years, due to which the disease has already come under control,� another health official said.
