Ludhiana, June 25 -- Even as the monsoon has only begun to gain momentum, seasonal illnesses linked to rain, water contamination and mosquito breeding have started surfacing in Ludhiana, prompting doctors to warn residents against complacency during the coming weeks. Regarding dengue, officials said that although the number of such patients is low at present, the period immediately after the monsoon onset is when mosquito-borne infections typically begin to climb. The health department data shows that Ludhiana has reported three confirmed dengue cases and 21 malaria cases so far this year.

Dr Lydia Solomon, professor of medicine and infectious diseases specialist at Christian Medical College and Hospital, said hospitals usually see a sha...