Dengue crisis increases in kolkata, rising deaths and missing data spark concerns

• Over three dozen reported deaths in the state, with around 40,000 people infected
• The untimely demise of 17 year old, sheds light on the severity of the situation
• Lack of transparency as the state government withholds dengue data

The city of Kolkata is grappling with an alarming surge in dengue-related deaths, with no respite in sight. Tragedy struck once again as a 17-year-old teenager from Bibi Ganguly Street became the latest victim of this mosquito-borne disease. The teenager, whose identity has been withheld, was admitted to a private hospital on September 20, where a dengue-positive diagnosis was confirmed.

Unfortunately, his health deteriorated rapidly, and he succumbed to the illness on a Thursday evening. His death certificate unequivocally cites dengue as the cause of his untimely demise, shedding light on the severity of the situation.

This recent tragedy follows closely on the heels of another dengue-related fatality, as just a day prior, a woman lost her life to the disease in Salt Lake. Shockingly, sources have reported that approximately three dozen people have already succumbed to dengue in the state, and the number of individuals infected with the virus has surged to an alarming 40,000.

Adding to the mounting concerns, the state government has decided to withhold dengue-related data, raising questions about transparency and public health management. Even the Vector Disease Information Site of the Central Government, usually a reliable source of information, has conspicuously omitted data related to Bengal's dengue outbreak, leaving citizens and experts alike deeply perplexed and worried about the trajectory of this public health crisis.

With the dengue situation in Kolkata showing no signs of abating and critical data being shrouded in secrecy, the need for concerted efforts, transparency, and public awareness to combat this deadly disease has never been more urgent. As residents grapple with the mounting toll of dengue-related deaths, there is a growing demand for a comprehensive and coordinated response from authorities at all levels to mitigate the spread of the virus and provide timely medical support to those affected