According to data from KMC officials, a reduction of 37% was recorded in the dengue cases recorded in the area this year, standing at nearly 140 cases compared to 220 cases recorded around January to July 14 last year.

As of July 14 this year, 2,100 dengue cases have been reported in the state. As for cases of malaria, 863 have been reported so far in comparison to more than 2002 cases this time last year, with a reduction of 67%.

A senior KMC official said, “While the numbers are encouraging, we must not become complacent. Continuous awareness campaigns and preventive measures are crucial.”

The municipality has attributed the decline to increased public awareness and preventive measures. Residents have been urged to avoid water accumulation, clean their surroundings regularly, and release fish like guppy, katla, shoal, and lata in ponds to control mosquito breeding.

Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh expressed satisfaction with the current situation. “Vector-borne disease officials are active throughout the year and work round the clock,” Ghosh told the media.

However, health officials warned that the situation may change as the monsoon progresses and Durga Puja approaches. The state health department has issued directives to all district chief medical officers to submit weekly reports on dengue cases.

Dr. Arindam Biswas, a doctor of general medicine, said, “The situation in Kolkata is not grave at all but we must be alert. This is just the beginning. Rains are happening in phases, causing more water accumulation in some areas. Also, preparations such as digging holes for Durga Puja have already started. Dengue mosquitoes require a very small amount of water to breed.”

Through the entirety of last year, the state reported over 1,07,000 dengue cases, with 100 deaths, of which 21 were in Kolkata.

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