Dengue cases in Ludhiana have surpassed 300 this year, with 44 new cases reported in the first six days of November, bringing the total to 301. The district experienced a notable surge in cases in October, with 176 reported, compared to last year’s spike which began in August. In August of 2023, Ludhiana recorded 109 dengue cases, while this year, the number dropped to just nine. September also saw a decrease, with cases falling from 183 last year to 35 this year.
According to district epidemiologist Dr. Sheetal Narang, the dengue surge this year began in October rather than August, as it did in 2023. Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species responsible for transmitting dengue, traditionally thrived in temperatures above 20°C. However, in recent years, these mosquitoes have evolved to adapt to lower temperatures, allowing the infections to persist even as the weather cools. As reported by hindustantimes, Dr. Narang explained that this adaptation means dengue cases could continue to rise despite the drop in temperatures.