Nagpur: In an unexpected shift, Chikungunya has surpassed Dengue as the predominant monsoon-related illness in Nagpur. According to data from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), out of 143 suspected Chikungunya cases, 52 have been confirmed, with 45 of these cases reported in the past six weeks.
In comparison, Dengue cases show a lower rate, with only 29 out of 159 patients testing positive. Of these, 16 cases were reported in June and July.
Today’s Rate
Thursday 21 Nov. 2024
The distribution of Chikungunya cases is particularly troubling, with a significant concentration in the Mangalwari zone, which has reported 36 cases. The Dharampeth zone follows with 16 cases. Dengue cases are more dispersed across all 10 zones, with the Mangalwari zone leading with six cases.
Dr. Nitin Shinde, an infectious disease specialist, has expressed concern over the high positivity rate for Chikungunya. He has urged citizens to take additional precautions to prevent mosquito breeding.
The increase in Chikungunya cases has also led to political blame, with NCP Vice-President Vedprakash Arya criticizing the municipal commissioner for inadequate public health measures. Arya attributed the surge in cases to the lack of civic body elections over the past three years, which he claims has resulted in neglected public health issues.
This situation underscores the urgent need for action to prevent the further spread of Chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases in Nagpur.
