Increased Rainfall Triggers Rise in Dengue Cases
Bhubaneswar: As monsoon showers hit the city, Bhubaneswar is witnessing a worrying rise in dengue cases. The mosquito-borne disease is spreading fast, with over 100 confirmed cases already reported by the end of June. According to health officials, the majority of cases have been detected in the last two months, raising concerns about the preparedness of civic authorities to deal with the potential outbreak.
Monthly Spike in Dengue Infections
The trend began in April, when just 6 cases of dengue were reported. In May, the number doubled to 14, and by the end of June, the total had surpassed 50 new infections in a single month. This sharp increase is ringing alarm bells for public health experts, who fear the situation may worsen during July and August, when rainfall is expected to intensify.
Hotspots Identified Across the City
Several localities have emerged as dengue hotspots. Salia Sahi reported the highest number with 6 confirmed cases. Shikharchandi Nagar recorded 5 cases, while Unit-3 and Saheed Nagar contributed 4 cases each. Officials have noted that these areas are witnessing the highest mosquito density, which directly correlates with the increasing dengue positivity rate.
Negligence in Civic Management Adds to Woes
Despite the visible threat, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is being criticized for not taking proactive measures to prevent mosquito breeding. In many areas, stagnant water has been found in discarded tires, uncovered water containers, and thermocol waste materials. These serve as ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading the dengue virus.
Residents have complained that fogging operations, awareness campaigns, and cleanliness drives are either missing or too infrequent to be effective. The lack of a structured anti-dengue drive is contributing to the increasing risk.
Risk of Uncontrolled Outbreak in Coming Weeks
Health experts are warning that unless immediate intervention is carried out, the situation could spiral out of control. The rapid increase in dengue infections at the onset of the monsoon season could overwhelm healthcare infrastructure if not addressed on time.
“Vector control must be taken seriously. A small pool of stagnant water is enough for hundreds of mosquitoes to breed. Citizens also need to be aware and cooperate by ensuring there is no stagnant water around their homes,” said a senior official from the Health Department.
Call for Urgent Measures
The current situation calls for urgent and large-scale action. BMC must intensify surveillance, fumigation, and public awareness drives. School and college campuses, market areas, and residential colonies should be inspected regularly to eliminate breeding spots.
Public health is at stake, and both the government and citizens must act collectively to prevent a full-scale dengue outbreak in the capital city.