Ludhiana Dengue Outbreak: 444 Cases Reported; Over 79% Patients Hospitalised Amid Poor Air Quality And Pollution
Ludhiana is witnessing a sharp rise in dengue cases with 444 reported so far. Over 79% of patients are hospitalised as poor air quality and pollution worsen the situation, say health officials.
The dengue cases in Ludhiana had skyrocketed to 444 as of Saturday. The exceptionally high hospitalisation rate of more than 79 per cent of the district's active dengue patients is presently hospitalised in hospitals, which has alarmed physicians and health professionals.
Dengue Cases Surge in Ludhiana
According to data from the local health authority, there are 39 current dengue patients, 31 of whom are receiving medical treatment. The district reported 11 additional instances on Saturday, following five on Friday. The increase has been rapid in recent weeks, with 192 instances reported in the week following October 25, when the total stood at 252. The health department found 29 hotspots around the district.
Dengue Cases Rise Due to Poor Air Quality
Senior physician Dr Amritpal Singh said that the extremely high hospitalisation rate is due to the poor air quality over the last few weeks. Dr Singh stated that airborne pollution increases symptoms in individuals with pre-existing lung and heart problems, causing coughing and shortness of breath. "When these people contract dengue infection and their platelets start falling, they can be in danger, which is why they are hospitalised," he told.
"The admissions are mostly due to co-morbidities that are exacerbated due to dengue. It is also not important that the admissions must be from only those who are active right now. These could also be people with co-morbidities who tested positive earlier and may have recovered from infection, but remain admitted as their co-morbid condition remains exacerbated," Dr Ramandeep Kaur added.
Health Minister on Rising Dengue Cases
During a visit to the city on Friday, health minister Dr Balbir Singh declared that coordinated anti-dengue measures by the department and district administrations were successful. He promised the public that incidents would decrease in the coming days, citing the influence of naturally lower night temperatures on mosquito activity.
Safety Precautions to Prevent Dengue
Here are some of the common safety precautions which every individual to take:
- Never allow water to stagnate in flowerbeds, cans or coolers.
- Store regular water in containers and overhead tanks.
- Wear full-sleeved clothes to prevent mosquito bites.
- Apply mosquito repellents, use nets and screens at home.
- The victim should also seek medical assistance upon the occurrence of symptoms like high fever, headache, pain in the joints, or rashes.
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