Pune recorded 662 dengue cases in September, the highest monthly total since the monsoon increase began, taking the number of cases reported within the municipal limits between June and September to 1,643, according to data cited from the Pune Municipal Corporation’s health department by Lokmat – Pune.
The monthly count rose from 103 cases in June to 366 in July, 512 in August and 662 in September. The September figure was more than six times the June total. The data is based on positive IgM and NS1 ELISA tests conducted by the civic health department.
Kothrud recorded the highest number of cases across the four-month period, with 229 patients. It was followed by Nagar Road–Wadgaonsheri with 222 cases, Aundh–Baner with 212, Dhankawadi–Sahakarnagar with 139 and Yerawada–Kalas–Dhanori with 137 cases.
Aundh–Baner recorded the highest monthly total in September, with 107 cases. Nagar Road–Wadgaonsheri reported 83, Kothrud 80, Yerawada–Kalas–Dhanori 60 and Dhankawadi–Sahakarnagar 54. Keshavnagar also saw a notable increase, from 11 cases in August to 49 in September. Hadapsar–Manjari recorded 38 cases during the month.
When patients from outside the municipal limits and those without available addresses are included, the June-to-September total rises to 2,391 cases. Of these, 956 were recorded in September, according to the report.
The civic data also showed a rise in suspected cases. Suspected dengue patients increased from 175 in June to 323 in July, 484 in August and 508 in September. Of these suspected cases, 12, 12, 21 and 18 patients respectively tested positive in the corresponding months.
From January up to October 5, Pune recorded 1,759 suspected dengue patients, of whom 90 tested positive in National Institute of Virology reports. During the first five days of October, 96 suspected patients were identified and 25 received positive reports, the report said. The municipal corporation’s weekly report for October 4 to 10 stated that regular inspections were being conducted at locations where suspected cases were found.
The civic body has identified 2,633 mosquito-breeding sites so far this year in homes, offices, colleges and other premises. Its insect-control department is inspecting residential properties, workplaces, educational institutions and construction projects. Where breeding sites are found, biological spraying and other preventive measures are being carried out.
Assistant Health Officer Dr Rajesh Dighe urged residents to prevent water from collecting in flowerpots, unused containers, balconies, terraces, old tyres and coconut shells. The civic advice also includes observing a weekly dry day, using mosquito nets for dengue patients at home and in hospitals, and seeking medical advice when symptoms appear.
Pune has recorded 26 chikungunya cases this year, including six in June, one in July, 14 in August and five in September. No chikungunya cases were reported between January and May. One malaria case has also been recorded, while no deaths due to dengue or malaria have been reported, according to the cited civic data.
