In the past two weeks, West Bengal has reported over 4,000 new cases of dengue, bringing the total number of infections this season to more than 27,000.
There is a concerning shift in the outbreak’s pattern, with rural areas now seeing a higher number of cases compared to urban centers. While the number of cases in metropolitan areas like Kolkata has decreased compared to last year, districts such as Murshidabad, Malda, and North 24 Parganas have experienced a significant rise in infections.
As of November 18, the state has recorded 27,142 dengue cases, with Kolkata accounting for 973. However, Murshidabad alone has seen a surge of 5,147 confirmed cases.
Health officials have acknowledged that such seasonal spikes in dengue cases are common but emphasized that the situation is currently under control.
Nonetheless, the rapid spread to rural areas, where healthcare access and vector control measures are limited, remains a major concern.
The Health Department has urged the public to take preventive actions, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using repellents, to curb the spread of the disease. Despite all the allegations, the arrest of Bye is yet to be made yet, as “there is no basis for arrest when trial continues,” said the officers.
