Epidemic (human)

Dengue cases in West Bengal have crossed the 5,000 mark, prompting the state health department to intensify surveillance, blood testing and mosquito-control measures across identified hotspots. According to the latest state dengue bulletin, 5,002 people had been affected by dengue as of last week, with Murshidabad, Kolkata and North 24 Parganas reporting the highest numbers.
Murshidabad has recorded the most cases so far, with 1,072 dengue infections, followed by Kolkata with 500 and North 24 Parganas with 450 cases.
The latest figures have raised concern because the number of reported dengue cases has increased sharply within a month. The state had recorded fewer than 2,500 cases by the same date in August, meaning roughly another 2,500 cases were reported over the following month.

Hundreds of hotspots identified
The West Bengal health department has identified 29 municipalities, 85 community development blocks and 278 village panchayats as dengue hotspots. Health workers are conducting more intensive and random blood sample testing in these areas, where a significant proportion of recent dengue cases have been reported.
Officials use specific criteria to classify an area as a hotspot. A village panchayat with at least 10 dengue patients can be designated a hotspot panchayat, while a community development block is identified when more than 30 people have been affected. A municipality can be classified as a hotspot when most of its wards report five or more dengue cases.

Do not self-medicate
Health officials are particularly concerned about people with persistent fever choosing self-medication instead of seeking medical care. A continuous fever lasting two or more days can occur with several infections and does not automatically mean dengue. However, people experiencing persistent fever, severe headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, rash, or other concerning symptoms should seek medical advice.
Early medical evaluation is important because dengue can range from a mild illness to a potentially serious infection involving bleeding, plasma leakage, shock, or organ complications.

Ways to prevent dengue
The Aedes mosquito, which transmits dengue, breeds in stagnant water. Preventing mosquito breeding is therefore one of the most important ways to reduce transmission.
- Keep water tanks and cisterns properly covered.
- Remove stgnant water from flowerpots, trays and abandoned containers.
- Regularly inspect rooftops, drains and other areas where water can collect.
- Use mosquito nets or suitable coverings where containers cannot be sealed.
- Cooperate with local authorities during mosquito-control and larval surveillance activities.
Authorities are also surveying ponds, drains, pools, dry canals, unused wells and factories, while using larvicides according to prescribed guidelines.
What residents should watch for
As dengue cases rise, residents should remain alert to persistent fever and other symptoms rather than dismissing them as a routine viral illness. Anyone with concerning symptoms should contact a healthcare professional or nearby health centre for appropriate assessment and testing.
With thousands of cases now reported across the state, controlling mosquito breeding, recognising symptoms early, and avoiding self-medication remain crucial steps in limiting the dengue outbreak in West Bengal.