Ahmedabad: Over the past week, Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has witnessed an increase of approximately 30% in fever cases caused by both viral infections and vector-borne diseases.

The data concerning vector-borne diseases in Ahmedabad indicates that the western areas of the city have reported nearly twice the number of dengue cases compared to the eastern regions. Among the 164 cases recorded between August 14 and 20, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) data shows that 105 cases, equivalent to 64%, originated from the western parts.

In addition to dengue, there has also been a surge in malaria cases, along with the seasonal flu. Experts attribute these trends to factors like the prevailing overcast weather conditions, open spaces, water accumulation, and a high density of construction sites.

Out of the total cases, 97 dengue cases and 29 malaria cases were registered at government facilities. The AMC’s health department has implemented measures including fumigation, sealing mosquito breeding sites, and covering water-accumulated areas.

A similar situation prevails in the state capital, Gandhinagar, where a total of 373 dengue patients have been registered in just two weeks at government facilities alone. The actual number of cases could be higher, as some might have sought treatment at private healthcare facilities. More cases are emerging, particularly from urban areas such as Sargasan, Kudasan, Vavol, and Sectors 6, 12, and 24.

As the dengue mosquito breeds in stagnant, clean water, the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation has begun implementing strict actions against sites where water is found, with fines of up to ₹25,000 being imposed. The health department of the AMC has also initiated measures including fumigation, sealing of sites with mosquito breeding, and covering areas with water accumulation.

Since the beginning of this year, Ahmedabad has documented 788 dengue cases and 471 malaria cases. It’s important to note that in July, the city experienced a resurgence of 200 cases of dengue fever. DeshGujarat