Kolkata, 07 September (H.S.) Dengue cases continue to rise in West Bengal amid the ongoing monsoon, with the number of infections in the state crossing the 4,500 mark, according to Health Department data. Kolkata has emerged as the second-highest affected area in the state, while Murshidabad has reported the highest number of cases.

According to the Health Department, West Bengal had recorded 770 dengue cases by April 30. The figure rose to 1,946 by July 31 and further climbed to 3,966 by August 31. The number of infections has continued to increase since then.

As of September 2, Murshidabad had reported 870 dengue cases, including 96 new infections in the preceding seven days. In Nadia district, authorities have also intensified preventive measures in the Nowda block, including door-to-door spraying and awareness campaigns. However, officials have not yet seen a significant decline in infections.

Kolkata had recorded 402 dengue cases as of September 2, with 62 new cases reported in the previous seven days. North 24 Parganas has reported 346 cases, followed by Malda with 331, South 24 Parganas with 324, Nadia with 316, Hooghly with 293 and Howrah with 276 cases.

East Burdwan has recorded 233 cases, while West Burdwan has reported 140 infections. In East Burdwan, the situation in the Jahannagar panchayat area under the Purbasthali-I block has emerged as a particular concern. Health Department data shows that 84 people have contracted dengue in the area over the past eight months, the highest figure reported from any area in the district.

With dengue cases continuing to rise, the Health Department is preparing to intensify its prevention and surveillance drive. Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay said the campaign would begin from September 7, with activities under the drive also set to be video-recorded for monitoring purposes.

The minister also said schools would be advised to ask students to wear full-sleeved shirts as a precautionary measure against mosquito bites.

The rise in dengue infections during the monsoon has increased concerns among the state Health Department and local administrations. Authorities are focusing on eliminating mosquito-breeding sites, carrying out regular spraying and strengthening public awareness campaigns to contain the spread of the disease.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh