Bihar is grappling with a concerning surge in dengue cases, reaching a staggering 6,146 reported cases in September alone, marking the highest for this month in the past five years. The health department's data reveals a total of 6,421 cases reported this year, with an overwhelming majority concentrated in the month of September—tripling the count from the previous year, which stood at 1,896 cases.
Friday witnessed an alarming spike of 416 cases across the state, with Patna bearing the brunt at 177 cases, followed by Munger at 33, Saran at 28, Bhagalpur at 27, and Begusarai at 17, PTI reported.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control of the Union Health Ministry reported seven dengue-related fatalities in Bihar until September 17 this year. Comparatively, last year saw a total of 13,972 reported cases.
The health infrastructure is currently under strain, with 295 individuals undergoing treatment in 12 government hospitals as of September 30. Notably, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital in Bhagalpur are treating 127 cases, VIMS in Pawapuri is attending to 39 cases, and Patna Medical College and Hospital is handling 28 cases.
