Shillong, September 25: The number of dengue cases in West Bengal this season has exceeded the record-breaking 38,000 mark, as reported by the state Health Department.
As per IANS, as of Monday, the total number of cases stood at 38,181.
While reports of dengue-related fatalities are emerging from various districts nearly every day, the Health Department has not disclosed the exact number.
A senior official from the department expressed concern, noting that several areas in north Bengal, particularly Malda, are quickly falling prey to dengue.
The state has identified several “dengue hotspot areas” in both north and south Bengal, where rigorous monitoring is being carried out regularly.
In response to a sudden surge in cases in the state capital, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has decided to operate its health centers seven days a week until the situation is under control. The KMC has also canceled leaves for its entire staff for the next two months, including the Durga Puja in October and Diwali in November.
Meanwhile, the opposition BJP has strongly criticized the state government for the alarming dengue situation in West Bengal. Samik Bhattacharya, a spokesperson for the BJP in West Bengal, likened the mosquitoes to scamsters who have become fearless due to what they perceive as the health authorities’ lackadaisical approach to prevention.
Deputy mayor of KMC and Member-Mayor-in-Council (health), Atin Ghosh, countered by stating that KMC alone cannot combat the problem unless citizens take precautions, such as maintaining cleanliness in their homes and surroundings.
