Also, a concerning shift in the dengue outbreak has emerged, with more cases being reported in rural areas than urban centres, officials said.

While cases in the metropolitan areas like Kolkata have shown a decline when compared to the last year, the infection rate in districts like Murshidabad, Malda, and North 24 Parganas has surged dramatically, they added.

Of the 27,142 dengue cases recorded till November 18 in the state, Kolkata accounted for 973 cases. Murshidabad district alone has seen a surge in infection with 5,147 confirmed cases.

“We see such a spike in dengue cases almost every year at this time. The situation is under control,” said an official.

The rapid spread to rural areas, where access to healthcare and vector control measures may be limited, is a matter of concern, another official said.

The Health Department has urged people to take preventive measures like removing mosquito breeding sites and using mosquito repellents among others.