JAMMU, Nov 29: In an unprecedented turn of events, the viral infection Chikungunya has unleashed its grip on the outskirts of Jammu, with a surge in reported cases stirring concerns among experts. The outbreak, which shares its carrier with Dengue, is predicted to persist until the end of December, marking an alarming deviation from previous patterns.
Dr. Harjeet Rai, speaking to Rising Kashmir, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is the first time we have recorded over 700 cases of Chikungunya patients in Jammu.” The spike in cases, primarily attributed to the migratory population from states like Bihar, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and other regions, has shifted from Jammu City to its outskirts.
Jammu District emerges as the epicentre of the crisis, grappling with the highest numbers of both Chikungunya and Dengue cases.
With over 700 reported cases of Chikungunya and more than 6200 cases of Dengue, the region faces a dual health crisis. Tragically, seven lives have been claimed by Dengue this year, while 18 succumbed to the vector-borne disease in the previous year.
Experts underline the critical distinction between the two diseases, emphasizing that Dengue is fatal, with a relatively swift recovery period of 10-12 days. On the other hand, Chikungunya induces severe joint pain, extending the recovery timeline to 6-8 weeks, impacting morbidity rather than fatality.
As health authorities work tirelessly to contain the outbreak, the public is urged to exercise caution, and preventive measures are being emphasized to mitigate the spread of these mosquito-borne diseases. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the efficacy of control measures and the ultimate trajectory of this unprecedented health crisis in Jammu.
