Ludhiana, Aug. 12 -- The district has reported 15 confirmed dengue and 44 malaria cases so far this season, with the number of infections rising as the monsoon progresses despite intensified anti-larval drives, fogging and surveillance by the health department.

The district had reported only three confirmed dengue and 21 malaria cases in June, indicating a sharp rise in mosquito-borne infections over the past few weeks. More than 2,200 suspected dengue cases had been tested by June, although only three had tested positive at the time.

Health officials said the increase was expected as monsoon conditions create more favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Rainfall followed by high humidity, waterlogging and poor drainage can leave st...