Dengue has been on the rise since the beginning of the monsoon season. Every year the cases used to reduce in one or two months but this time till now the cases are continuously increasing. A steady increase in dengue cases is still being seen among people living in Haryana and Punjab. Over 1,200 dengue cases have been reported in Panchkula district this season. Nearly 50 percent has been recorded in Panchkula city alone. To date, 1,233 dengue cases have been reported in Panchkula. This number is the second highest in the last few years as 2,022 cases were reported in 2022. The district recorded 589 dengue cases in 2023, 906 in 2021, 78 in 2020, 33 in 2019 and 143 in 2018. Meanwhile, 175 dengue cases have been confirmed in Gurugram.

Dengue, a viral infection spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, usually sees an increase during the monsoon season due to stagnant water and increase in mosquito breeding sites. However, cases have remained persistent this year even after months of rain, possibly due to prolonged unseasonal rains and a humid environment that allows mosquitoes to thrive. The rising number of infections in both cities has raised concerns and health experts are urging people to take precautionary measures to keep themselves safe.

dengue fever symptoms

Dengue fever often begins suddenly with flu-like symptoms, usually within four to ten days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

– high fever (104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)

– severe headache

– pain behind the eyes

– Pain in muscles, bones and joints

– nausea and vomiting

-swollen lymph glands

– Skin rash (usually appearing two to five days after fever starts)

In severe cases, dengue can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which are life-threatening conditions marked by bleeding, blood plasma leakage, and low platelet counts. These symptoms can progress rapidly, making timely medical intervention important.

How to protect yourself from dengue?

Prevention is the most effective way to control the spread of dengue, as there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine widely available for the disease. Here are some essential precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

– Avoid places where mosquitoes breed: Mosquitoes that spread dengue often breed in stagnant water. Make sure to drain accumulated water from flower pots, coolers, buckets and any other containers around your house. Even a small amount of water can be enough for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

– Use mosquito repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin, especially in the morning and evening when Aedes mosquitoes are most active. Use products containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus for long-term protection.

– Wear protective clothing: Cover your arms and legs as much as possible when outside. Wear light-coloured clothes, as dark colors are more likely to attract mosquitoes.

– Use mosquito nets: Sleeping under a mosquito net, especially for children, can provide an extra layer of protection, especially in areas with high mosquito activity.

– Keep your environment mosquito-free: Spray mosquito repellents or insecticides regularly indoors, especially in bedrooms and living areas, to reduce mosquito population. Make sure windows and doors have nets to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.