Rohtak, Haryana — Dengue cases in Rohtak district have seen a sharp increase in the past two weeks, with the total number of reported cases climbing to 115 on Wednesday. However, private medical practitioners in the area have raised concerns about the accuracy of official figures, suggesting that the actual number of cases may be much higher.

Rise in Dengue Cases: Local Concerns Over Under-Reporting

In the last 10 to 15 days, the number of dengue cases in Rohtak has surged rapidly, prompting increased attention from both healthcare professionals and the general public. While the official count stands at 115 cases, several local doctors have indicated that the real number could be significantly greater, citing discrepancies in the reporting system.

Dr. Ravi Mohan, a prominent private practitioner in Rohtak, expressed concerns about the under-reporting of cases. "Many dengue patients have visited us for treatment, but the official records don’t seem to reflect the actual scale of the situation," he said. According to Dr. Mohan, many patients who tested positive for dengue through rapid card tests have not undergone the confirmatory ELISA NS1 antigen test, which may have led to a discrepancy between actual cases and official statistics.

Private Medical Sector's Alarm Over Under-Reported Cases

Dr. Ravinder Hooda, the president of the Rohtak chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), echoed similar concerns. "A significant number of dengue cases go unreported because patients often rely on rapid tests that don’t make it to the official reporting system," he said. Dr. Hooda added that this gap in the testing and reporting process could lead to an inaccurate reflection of the true extent of the dengue outbreak in Rohtak.

Despite the concerns raised by local practitioners, health authorities in Rohtak maintain that the reporting system is transparent and accurate. Dr. Ramesh Chander, the Civil Surgeon of Rohtak, stated that only confirmed cases—those diagnosed through the ELISA NS1 antigen test—are included in the official tally. "We have a well-defined system for reporting dengue cases, and our records reflect the confirmed cases. We have also seen a decline in the severity and number of cases compared to previous years," Dr. Chander stated.

Rising Dengue Cases: A Growing Concern in Rohtak

The surge in dengue cases has raised alarm bells among the public and healthcare providers in Rohtak, especially as the monsoon season continues. Dengue, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, is known for causing high fever, severe headache, joint pain, and rash, and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

While the official figures suggest a relatively controlled situation, health experts believe that the district may be experiencing a silent outbreak, with many people not seeking medical attention or avoiding confirmatory tests due to financial or logistical reasons. This under-reporting, if true, could pose a significant challenge in controlling the spread of the disease.

Call for Action: Strengthening Reporting and Prevention Measures

As dengue cases continue to rise, experts have called for better monitoring and reporting systems to ensure accurate data collection and timely interventions. "Improved public awareness and accessible testing are key to managing the outbreak. People must be encouraged to get tested and report symptoms early to avoid complications," said Dr. Ravi Mohan.

The local administration has also ramped up efforts to control mosquito breeding by intensifying cleanliness drives, distributing mosquito nets, and spraying insecticides in areas where cases have been reported. However, with concerns over under-reporting and the possibility of a larger outbreak, the demand for more proactive measures has grown louder.