Fourteen new dengue cases reported in Chandigarh

(Representational Image)

ANOTHER 14 cases of dengue have been reported here in Chandigarh, said health officials on Wednesday. The total number of cases has now reached 564 this year. According to a health department statement, fresh cases have been reported from different parts of the city.

There has been a rise in dengue cases in the city over the last few weeks. Last year, 1,254 cases of dengue were reported in Chandigarh. In 2015, the number was 966. The Manimajra areas have recorded the maximum cases.

Chandigarh health department officials said other than city residents, doctors working at city hospitals, too, were falling prey to the disease. Chandigarh Newsline had reported on Wednesday that at least 16 doctors of two major hospitals, Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16 and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, have tested positive for dengue.

Special instructions have been issued to PGI to intensify its vector control management on campus, said health officials. Heath department officials on Wednesday said they were now roping in schools so that the message could reach the parents through the children in raising awareness about keeping the environment clean.

Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, Chandigarh’s Anti-Malaria Officer, told Chandigarh Newsline that camps would be organised in schools to create awareness. Besides dengue, cases of swine flu, chikungunya and malaria have been reported, too. While the number of swine flu cases has seen a rise for some weeks, there have been no fresh cases for the last few days. Six deaths due to swine flu have been reported here.