Breaking

6 Oct 2024

Dengue Cases Soar in Rajasthan: Over 2,200 New Infections and Five Deaths in Two Weeks, See Details


Rajasthan is facing a surge in dengue cases, with 2,200 new infections reported between 20 September and 4 October 2024. In the last ten days, five people, including professionals from various fields, have lost their lives to the disease. The deceased include doctor, Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) officer, nursing student, and businessman.


RAS officer, doc, nursing student among deceased


As dengue cases soar across the state, there is a disparity between government reports and the ground reality. Officially, the government has only acknowledged two dengue-related deaths in the Kota and Jaipur rural areas. However, the actual death toll from dengue in the past month stands at five. The victims include Taru Surana, a 42-year-old RAS officer from Udaipur, Kherunisha (36) from Bisau in Jhunjhunu district, businessman Suresh Ghanchi from Pali, 21-year-old ANM student Nazia Khanam from Kota, and Dr. Jyoti Meena from Jaipur.


Jaipur Leads in Dengue Cases, Followed by Udaipur


Jaipur, the state capital, is currently the hardest-hit area, with more than 991 confirmed dengue cases across Jaipur city, Jaipur rural, Dudu, and Kotputli. Udaipur follows with over 643 reported cases. The surge in infections has led to a crisis in healthcare facilities, especially in Jaipur, where government hospital wards are at full capacity. Approximately 15% of patients visiting outpatient departments (OPDs) require hospitalization for two to three days due to the severity of their symptoms.


As of 4 October, Rajasthan has recorded 5,301 dengue cases since the start of the year, marking a critical point in the state’s battle against the disease. Experts are warning that the situation could worsen, especially in the weeks leading up to Diwali, a time typically associated with a rise in dengue and malaria cases.


Hospitals Overwhelmed


The healthcare system is under great pressure, with hospitals struggling to manage the increasing number of dengue patients. According to Dr. Deependra Garg, a senior pediatrician at Jaipuria Hospital, Jaipur, 80% of patients in the pediatric ward are being treated for dengue-related symptoms. Dr. Garg emphasized that the period leading up to Diwali is particularly dangerous, as it usually sees a spike in both dengue and malaria cases.


Increasing Dengue Cases Among Kids


The pediatric ward at Jaipur's Jaipuria Hospital is experiencing a worrying rise in the number of children exhibiting dengue symptoms, particularly high fever. Dr. Garg said that about 15% of these children require hospitalization, mainly due to delays in seeking medical care. Many families are waiting two days or more after the onset of symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, or vomiting before consulting a doctor. This delay is causing some children’s platelet counts to drop to dangerously low levels—sometimes as low as 20,000 or below.


Despite the severity of these cases, Dr. Garg reassured that most children are recovering well after being admitted to the hospital. Many are being treated successfully without the need for Single Donor Platelets (SDP) transfusions, even when their platelet levels are critically low.


Caution Needed Despite Lower Severity in Pediatric Cases


Although the severity of dengue cases in children is currently less than in previous years, there is still a need for caution. Vomiting, stomach pain, and bleeding are common symptoms seen in pediatric patients. In some cases, excessive vomiting is leading to dehydration, further complicating the treatment process.


Dr. Garg urged families to seek medical attention promptly if a child develops symptoms of dengue. Early intervention can prevent more severe complications and ensure quicker recovery. With dengue season in full swing and the number of cases on the rise, staying vigilant and taking precautionary measures is critical to curbing the spread of the disease.


Rajasthan's escalating dengue crisis, particularly in Jaipur and Udaipur, poses a significant public health challenge. The healthcare system is struggling to keep up with the influx of patients, and the rising death toll underscores the seriousness of the situation. With the upcoming Diwali season, experts are warning of a further spike in cases, making it essential for both healthcare providers and the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

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