Dengue Cases Surge in Sirmaur: Over 1300 Cases Reported, Health Authorities on High Alert

Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a worrying rise in dengue cases, with Sirmaur district emerging as a hotspot. The number of dengue cases in the district has now crossed 1300, with more being reported each day. The situation is particularly concerning in Nahan, the district headquarters, where dengue seems to be spreading the fastest.

This surge in cases has doctors on edge, as they scramble to manage the influx of patients. According to reports, this season alone has seen a record number of dengue cases in Sirmaur, surpassing the 1300 mark. While the health department assures that the situation is under control, hospitals, especially the Medical College in Nahan, continue to see a steady stream of dengue patients. The Amarpur neighborhood in Nahan has been hit the hardest, contributing the majority of cases. Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness, the department is struggling to keep up with the rapidly growing numbers.

Compared to the past two years, this year’s dengue outbreak in Sirmaur is significantly worse. Dr. Ajay Pathak, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Sirmaur, explained that dengue typically spreads rapidly between July and November. So far this season, the district has recorded 1300 plus cases. If the current trend continues, officials fear the number could soon surpass 2000.

Despite the alarming rise in cases, Dr. Pathak urges people not to panic. “Yes, we’ve recorded 1322 cases so far, but there’s no need to worry. None of the patients have developed severe complications, and most are being treated with medications through outpatient services. A few patients have been admitted, but the good news is that there have been no deaths from dengue in the district so far,” he reassured.

The health department is on high alert, especially in Nahan, where most of the cases are concentrated. To combat the spread, a “dry day” is observed in the city once a week, during which no water is stored. The department also organizes awareness rallies and sends 20 teams door-to-door to educate residents and ensure that stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed, is eliminated. Dr. Pathak emphasized that public cooperation is crucial to controlling the outbreak. “Dengue is a preventable disease,” he said. “All it takes is some basic precautions.”

For those worried about contracting dengue, Dr. Pathak offered practical advice. “If you have a fever during this season, don’t panic. Even if you haven’t been tested, stick to paracetamol for fever relief, whether it’s dengue or not. Avoid using painkillers, as they can be harmful if your platelet count is low. We’re doing everything we can to control the spread, but we need everyone’s help to succeed.”

Dengue is a serious viral illness spread by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Just one mosquito can infect many people, making prevention efforts all the more critical. Dr. Pathak also highlighted the key symptoms to watch for, urging residents to stay vigilant and take precautions.