Kolkata: The city has recorded 74 new dengue cases in the last week, the highest weekly spike this year, taking the case tally to 509. According to mayor Firhad Hakim, the rise in dengue numbers in Sept will necessitate stronger preventive measures.
Hakim on Friday advised the KMC health department to conduct regular joint drives in areas where dengue cases are rising. According to a civic official, the comparative figures are showing an upward graph as far as dengue numbers are concerned. "Last year, we recorded 370 dengue cases from Jan 1 to Sept 9. This year, the figure stands at 509. We are apprehensive of what will happen during the next few weeks," the official said.
Areas that have reported a rise in dengue cases include Park Circus and its adjacent neighbourhoods, Ballygunge neighbourhoods, Swinhoe Lane, Bhowanipore, Kidderpore, Lake Gardens, and Jodhpur Park.
KMC has identified several under-construction buildings where accumulating storm water posing a dengue threat. "We may need to locate several other construction sites to prevent the spread of dengue in other parts of south Kolkata," an official said.
The KMC vector-control team has intensified its drive in neighbourhoods off Bypass, including Mukundapur, Kalikapur, Madurdaha, Patuli, Kasba, and Garfa, and is also focusing on Bhowanipore, Ekbalpore, and Kidderpore, a civic official added.