Dengue Cases Double in Ahmedabad, 756 Reported in September; Nine-Month Total Reaches 1,344

Ahmedabad recorded 756 dengue cases in September, more than double August’s 361, taking the official nine-month tally to 1,344 as mosquito-borne diseases surge.

The sharp rise has come as the monsoon season nears its end, with health facilities across the city seeing more patients with fever and related illnesses.

Patients are seeking treatment at Civil Hospital, AMC-run V.S., L.G. and Shardaben hospitals, Urban Health Centres, Community Health Centres and private clinics.

Dengue Cases Surge Compared With Last Year

Dengue cases in September also rose significantly compared with the same month last year, when Ahmedabad recorded 448 cases.

The AMC health department tested 16,290 serum samples for dengue during September. Between January and September, 64,887 serum samples were collected for testing.

The surge has prompted renewed attention to mosquito control as stagnant water after the monsoon provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Malaria and Chikungunya Cases Rise

Other mosquito-borne diseases have also been reported in Ahmedabad.

The city recorded 137 cases of simple malaria and 41 cases of severe, or cerebral, malaria in September. Ten chikungunya cases were also officially registered during the month.

Alongside these infections, health facilities have reported an increase in patients suffering from viral fever.

Water-Borne Diseases Add to Health Concerns

The health department is also monitoring water-borne illnesses.

Ahmedabad recorded 208 cases of diarrhoea and vomiting, 79 cases of jaundice and 266 cases of typhoid in September. No cholera cases were reported during the period.

7,596 Water Samples Tested

The AMC collected 7,596 drinking water samples in September to check water quality. Of these, 21 samples were found unfit, following which action was taken at the respective locations.

Chlorine levels were also checked at 53,090 locations across the city.

AMC Steps Up Mosquito Control

The AMC Health Department has intensified mosquito-control operations amid the rise in dengue and other infections.

Residents have been advised to prevent water from stagnating in and around their homes. Water-filled containers, flower pots, tanks and other potential breeding sites should be cleaned regularly.

The civic authorities have also urged residents to use mosquito nets and repellents. Anyone developing symptoms such as fever, body ache or headache has been advised to seek medical attention promptly at the nearest government or municipal health centre.