Dengue cases rise in Region Six

Health authorities in Region Six are reporting a rise in dengue cases as persistent rainfall creates favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.
Speaking at the Region Six Regional Democratic Council (RDC) monthly statutory meeting on Thursday, Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Vinashri Khirodhar said both adults and children are being affected, although only patients with complications are currently being hospitalised. She added that the increase is consistent with seasonal trends associated with the rainy period.

“Because of the rainy season, we are seeing an increase in dengue cases,” she said.
Testing, surveillance and mosquito-control efforts have been intensified. Dr Khirodhar emphasised that dengue prevention now requires a coordinated, multi-agency response rather than the efforts of the health sector alone, with Regional Democratic Officers (REDOs), the Education Department and all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) participating in control measures.
“Spraying is more effective because it allows teams to access individual yards and households, and that is done so we can effectively kill the eggs of the mosquitoes along with the adult mosquitoes,” she said.
However, the ongoing rainy season continues to pose significant challenges. Dr Khirodhar noted that standing water in yards, blocked drains and discarded items provide ideal breeding sites, while health workers are limited in their ability to remove debris from private properties. She also expressed concern about residents who refuse to allow vector-control teams access to their homes and yards.
Health officials continue to urge residents to seek medical care promptly if they experience symptoms associated with dengue, stressing that early treatment can reduce the risk of severe complications.