Hope Amid Dengue Surge: Doctors Say More Testing Can Save Lives
This year, Lucknow saw fewer deaths from dengue, but there was a rise in the number of positive cases in October. Doctors believe this increase is because more people are going for testing, thanks to greater awareness of the disease.
More Testing Centers Opened
The city has been able to control the spread of dengue better this year. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Manoj Agrawal said 135 testing centers were set up in Lucknow, compared to just 83 last year. While the number of deaths went down, there were more positive cases in October, which doctors say is due to people getting tested earlier. Early diagnosis means quicker treatment, according to Dr. KK Singh from King George’s Medical University.
Slight Rise in Cases, But Overall Decrease
The number of cases in October increased by about 5% compared to last year, but overall, there have been fewer cases this year. Last year, around 2,700 people tested positive for dengue, while this year, the number is 2,024 so far. In the last 24 hours, 14 new cases were reported in Lucknow. Dr. Singh said the higher number of tests shows that more people are getting checked as soon as they notice symptoms.
Fewer Deaths This Year
Only one death from dengue has been recorded this year in Lucknow, compared to four each in 2022 and 2023. The patient who died was an 84-year-old woman with a weak immune system. Two other suspected dengue deaths were later found to be caused by other health issues.
Dr. Singh noted that outpatient departments (OPDs) are full of fever patients. So far, no deaths have occurred among those who were tested in time. However, patients who passed away after testing positive for dengue also had other serious health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Doctors emphasize that the rise in positive cases should not cause panic. Instead, it shows that more people are getting tested early, which helps prevent deaths from dengue and other similar diseases.
