Spidey alert: Dengue arrives early in G-town this year
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Spidey alert: Dengue arrives early in G-town this year

Two cases were reported at Gurgaon Civil Hospital on April 13 as doctors say the number of case are likely to increase in 2017.  

Spidey alert: Dengue arrives early in G-town this year Picture used for representative purpose only

Two cases of dengue were reported at Gurgaon Civil Hospital on April 13. Although no deaths have been reported so far, the disease has struck residents early this year.

Dr Kanta Goyal, chief medical officer, Civil Hospital, Gurgaon, says, “We have seen an early onset of seasonal diseases this year, which is alarming, and there are more chances of dengue cases rising in 2017.”

There is a spike in dengue cases usually in the months after the monsoons, such as August and September. But conditions such as stagnant water and damp weather favour the virus’ growth and proliferation.

Doctors say Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that carries the dengue virus, breeds in underground tanks and water containers before the monsoons.

“With the onset of the rainy season, the mosquitoes move out to fields and other open spaces to breed, increasing risk of infecting humans. The NCR experienced rains last week and it could have resulted in the early onset of the disease,” says Dr Jai Bhagwan, senior medical officer, Civil Hospital, Sohna.

Dr Sanjay Wazir, neonatologist at Cloudnine Hospital, Sector 47, Gurgaon, says, “Common symptoms of dengue include severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea and vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, skin rash and high fever.”

In 2016, Gurgaon district health department recorded 401 cases of dengue, a three-year-high in the number of cases. There were 375 cases, 175 cases and 86 cases reported in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively.