PANAJI
The number of dengue cases reported in the month of October, as expected, are on the decline with the worst of the ‘transmission season’ which coincides with the monsoon when mosquito breeding is at its peak already seen through.
Just 69 positive cases of dengue were reported in the month of October, much lower than the 101 reported in the same month last year.
However, data from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) cell monitoring the National Vector-borne Disease Control Programme reveals that the numbers for the January-October period this year was marginally higher than what it was in the same period last year.
DHS officials however said although the disease graph appears to be plateauing, they haven’t dropped their guard and will continue with their measures of keeping a tab on unsafe water storage practices among residents, especially in those areas mapped as vulnerable.
Also, they will focus in these mapped clusters again before the next ‘transmission season’ begins in 2025, the official said, adding that strict vigil will continue to be kept at construction sites now that operations in the real estate industry are expected to pick up post the monsoon.
Meanwhile, the Siolim health centre jurisdiction has reported the highest number of 11 patients who tested positive for dengue in the month of October.
Mapuca had ten cases and Curtorim in Salcete had five.
Quepem, Aldona, Colvale, Saligao and Canacona reported four cases each while there were three in Cansaulim and two each in Pernem, Bicholim and Balli.
Candolim, Cassarvane, Sanquelim, Porvorim, Vasco, Cortalim and Navelim all reported one case each.
While October turned out to be a satisfactory month, health officials however are in a spot of bother that the overall tally of dengue cases reported for the 10-month period of January to October this year is significantly higher than that of the same period last year.
DHS data has revealed that 512 cases have been detected in these 10 months this year while the figure was 421 last year.
