More than 13,000 cases of dengue have been reported in Rajasthan this year so far. The Sawai Man Singh (SMS) hospital alone has reported 58 deaths due to dengue this year.

“Dengue virus has 4 types. Any human being can have dengue fever 4 times in their lifetime. When you get infected with one type, you gather lifelong immunity against that, but the immunity against other types is short-lived, for 3 to 6 months. If you happen to have dengue fever again after you have had it once earlier and particularly with type 2, then it is likely to be with complications like shock and hemorrhage.”, Dr Ajay Mathur, HOD, Department of medicine, SMS hospital.

Seventeen-year-old Kashish has been battling against dengue for a week now. She was admitted to SMS hospital 2 days ago after her platelet count dropped drastically. Her condition, however, is said to be currently stable but has been kept under observation.

In several parts of Rajasthan including Jaipur, Bikaner, and Barmer, dengue has spread rapidly troubling hundreds of people in the state.

The state government had announced a 15-day dengue-free Rajasthan campaign following which the ground situation was reviewed by the health department but despite that situation remains grim on the ground.

As per experts, efforts are being made to ensure that water does not accumulate in coolers, in utensils, and other vessels which can help prevent the spread of dengue at homes and outside.

“Personal protection is also important. You should wear proper clothes, not expose yourself to the surroundings particularly during the day because this mosquito bites during the day only.”, Dr Ajay Mathur stated.