The number of dengue patients has nearly doubled in the first three months of the year compared with the level seen in the same period last year, according to health directorate data published Tuesday.

In the year till 18 March, 1,566 cases were recorded with 20 fatalities. In contrast, 843 cases were recorded over the same period last year, with nine fatalities. Notably, last year witnessed the worst dengue outbreak in the country’s history with over 1,705 deaths and over 3.2 lakh infections. This year, the situation appears to be getting even worse.

More to follow….