Pune Hospitals See Increase in Dengue Cases as Monsoon Arrives Early

Pune: The monsoon's arrival in May with heavy spells and the intermittent rain in June triggered an early start to dengue and chikungunya cases this year, according to doctors and data from Pune Municipal Corporation. Between Jan and July 2, this year, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) reported 264 suspected and 12 confirmed dengue cases. In June alone, there were 123 suspected cases and four confirmed cases. The city also reported ten chikungunya cases for the same period.

The highest dengue cases were from Aundh-Baner ward (43), followed by Nagar Road-Wadgaon Sheri ward (40) and Dhankawdi-Sahakarnagar ward which reported 26 cases. Stagnating rainwater pools across the city are breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes that cause both diseases. Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer in PMC, said they began fogging and spraying of mosquito repellents early wherever a case was notified from any area.

Citizens must diligently follow the once-a-week dry day system which is most effective in controlling the breeding of mosquitoes. No positive Zika or Japanese encephalitis case has been reported this year so far. Private hospitals have reported a spike in dengue cases. Dr Arvind Patil from Apollo Clinic noted a 10% increase in cases compared to the previous year. Dr Mahendra Dadke from Jupiter Hospital mentioned a rise in admissions due to high-grade fever and other symptoms.

Inamdar Hospital reported 14 dengue cases in the first week of June. Dr Rekha Sharma highlighted the increase in cases among children. Dr Aditya Deshmukh from Apollo Spectra mentioned a 20% surge in dengue cases this June compared to last year. Dr Abhimanyu Sengupta from Ankura Hospital for Women & Children observed an early rise in cases this year.

There is a 30-35% increase in dengue and fever cases this June compared to last year. Dr Rizwan Malik from Medicover Hospital emphasized the rise in hospitalizations due to dehydration and low platelet count.