Dengue cases are witnessing a concerning increase in Visakhapatnam, posing a significant health risk to residents.

The primary culprits behind the spread of dengue are mosquitoes that breed in stagnant rainwater, particularly in discarded items like tires, coconut shells, and puddles. Dengue infection manifests with high fever and a range of symptoms, including headaches, muscle or joint pain, nausea, and vomiting.

In severe cases, it can lead to a dangerous drop in blood platelet levels, potentially becoming life-threatening if not promptly treated, caution medical experts.

Comparing data on dengue cases for the first ten months of 2022 and 2023 (up to October 5) across various zones in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) reveals a worrying trend.

After a decline in July and August this year, dengue cases surged in September, with a shocking 46 cases recorded in the first five days of October 2023, compared to 182 cases for the entire month of October the previous year.

Dengue appears to be spreading rapidly in areas such as Rambilli, Nathavalasa, Cheedikada mandals in Anakapalli district, and Anakapalli town, as reported by T. Kameswara Rao, the general secretary of Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV), which has been conducting medical camps in Anakapalli over the past two months.

Many dengue patients are seeking treatment in private hospitals, where records may not always be maintained.

Additionally, some residents are neglecting preventive measures, such as covering their overhead water tanks with lids. There are even allegations of improper garbage disposal, with waste being dumped beside roads, in vacant spaces, and in drains.

Efforts to combat the dengue outbreak include awareness programs aimed at educating the public, as stated by Naresh, Chief Medical Officer of Health at GVMC.

Furthermore, fogging operations are underway to control adult mosquitoes, and a substantial number of gambusia fish have been released this season to help control mosquito larvae, according to Sambamurthy, a GVMC Biologist.

Fortunately, there is currently no shortage of platelets, as most dengue cases have not progressed to severe stages, according to A. Sugandhi, Medical Director of AS Raja Voluntary Blood Bank, and Ravi Kumar, secretary of IRCS Blood Bank.

However, swift action is essential to contain the dengue outbreak and protect the health of the community. 

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