Patna : Dengue fever is spreading rapidly across Bihar’s capital, Patna, putting the Health Department and Municipal Corporation on high alert. In the past 48 hours alone, 28 new infections have been reported, pushing the total to 86 cases in the first 20 days of August. Since January, Patna has already recorded more than 150 cases.
According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, the outbreak is concentrated in waterlogged localities such as Kankarbagh, Postal Park, Yogipur, Jakkanpur, Jaganpura, Patna City, Boring Road, Pataliputra Colony, Digha, Gola Road, Rupaspur, Phulwarisharif and Danapur—areas that also reported high numbers during last year’s dengue wave.
Hospitals in the city are witnessing a surge in patients with dengue-like symptoms. Confirmed cases are being treated at Patna Medical College & Hospital (PMCH), Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), and AIIMS Patna. Currently, four patients are admitted at IGIMS, while several more are under observation at private hospitals including Paras, Medanta, Ruban, Mediversal, and Samay.
To curb the spread, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified fogging and anti-larval spraying drives. Officials are conducting random verification calls to ensure the campaign is effective. Citizens can also register complaints at the dengue control helpline 155304 if spraying has not been done in their locality.
PMC has urged residents to eliminate stagnant water from pots, coolers, AC trays, and other containers, and to cooperate with spraying teams.
Medical experts have warned of a possible spike in cases due to the ongoing monsoon rains. “Ideal conditions exist for mosquito breeding, which may worsen the outbreak,” said Dr. Rajan Kumar of PMCH.
Echoing similar concerns, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sinha of Nalanda Medical College stressed that prevention is the key in tackling vector-borne diseases. He advised residents to strictly follow health department guidelines to avoid further escalation.
