The discovery of 23 dengue cases in Jammu and Kashmir this year, with 20 cases concentrated in Jammu division and three cases brought in from other states, is alarming to say the least.
Although it is good news that the Kashmir division has not had any dengue cases, it is certainly time for action as a rapid escalation is potential.
Dengue is a viral infective disease spread by mosquitoes that thrive in stagnant water and unclean surroundings.
The reason why the reported number of cases is largely in Jammu could be attributed to several environmental and ecological factors, including warmer climatic conditions and urban congestion (both of which could have the opportunity for Aedes mosquitoes to breed).
Nevertheless, the good news of no cases in Kashmir so far, should not cause any complacency, as changing weather and increased travel could quickly change their fortunes or fate.
The government and the administrative system also needs to instigate proper measures, such as intensify fogging, implement ‘source reduction activities’, and have public awareness messages.
The government and authorities need to frequently visit homes and businesses to remove any stagnant water from their properties.
They also need to work harder to educate citizens on what preventative measures they need to take at the individual or household level, including using mosquito nets, using repellents, to always cover any water storage containers. Schools, colleges and communities can assist too in educating the public by emphasizing these messages.
Moreover, if the need arises, hospitals and lower level clinics must be ready to handle any outbreak with appropriate testing kits, medications and supplies, and isolation areas.
Timely detection and treatment can prevent worse complications.
As it is likely that three cases came from another state’s transmission, screening at entry points and working in coordination with adjoining areas is important to stop transmission across provincial borders.
The government must take the lead on this; however, the community, and public cooperation still matters a lot. It is important for residents to help by keeping their respective environments clean, indicating areas for mozzies to breed, and seeking medical treatment as soon as clinically relevant symptoms occur (recent municipal cases featured high fever, body ache and headache).
Dengue transmission is preventable, but we have to sustain action! Jammu and Kashmir must act immediately to control the current number of cases and to stop an eventual larger outbreak of dengue.
Whether people agree with the net infection number of 15 persons or not, immediate community action is necessary—before it propagates further or the numbers escalate to levels of management and suppression is unfeasible.
