Dengue cases halve in West Bengal, says CM

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Tuesday that active dengue cases in the state have dropped by 50 per cent compared to the same period last year. Speaking at a press conference, Adhikari noted that the state had recorded more than 7,600 active dengue cases around this time in the previous year.

"Last year at this time, there were more than 7,600 active dengue cases. This year, the number of cases is 50 per cent lower than last year," he said.

Adhikari, however, refrained from crediting the government for the improvement. "I would not call it a success of the state government. The common people have become aware. That is why we are seeing this number," he said.

The Chief Minister identified Murshidabad and Nadia as the only two districts where cases have been reported in bulk. According to Adhikari, nine cases were reported in Amtala under Nawda Police Station in Murshidabad, and 11 in Chakdah in Nadia.

Vigilance and advisories

Adhikari emphasised that strict vigilance must be maintained until at least October 15, noting that most dengue cases are typically reported between August and September. He said the state government has rolled out a series of targeted advisories, including ensuring sufficient testing kits are available and offering free medical tests for those with a fever lasting more than two days.

"Generally, most dengue cases are reported between August and September. However, we must remain cautious until at least October 15. I have rolled out some advisories: The Health Department has sufficient testing kits; one should not ignore a high temperature or fever that persists for more than two days, and we will arrange for a medical test free of cost," he said.

The Chief Minister cautioned that fogging machines should only be deployed in specific areas after formal consultation with medical professionals due to potential side effects. "Proper pest control should be carried out in affected areas. Fog machines should be used in specific areas only after consulting doctors, since they have side effects," he said.

Adhikari also urged officials to distribute mosquito nets and use fog machines to combat the disease. He said the health department has been asked to monitor the situation till November.

Kolkata wards and cleaning drive

Adhikari reported that a few dengue cases have been found in 12 wards of Kolkata, while 61 wards of the metropolis have been declared dengue-free. He also announced a special cleaning drive in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area on September 3, 4 and 5.

The Chief Minister said the family members of the 148 people who have been infected should be monitored, and arrangements should be made to stop further spread of the disease in affected areas. "Where two or three people in a neighborhood have dengue, fog machines should be used in very limited quantities," he added.

Allegation against previous government

Adhikari alleged that the previous Trinamool Congress government tried to fudge data on dengue cases, claiming that doctors were not allowed to record such infections. "Even if someone was infected, doctors could not write it down," he alleged.

He urged officials to record data "without fear", assuring that no information will be hidden about the disease. "Don't hide dengue…If there is dengue, they will write it down. There is no problem," he said.