Ludhiana, Sept. 28 -- Heavy rainfall in the initial days of September has triggered a sharp surge in dengue cases across the district, with health officials reporting a fivefold rise compared to August.

According to official data, Ludhiana has logged 90 dengue cases so far this month, up from just 16 in August. In July, six cases were reported, while June and May saw only three each. This takes the district's total count for the current season to 188 cases.

"This month saw heavy rains in the first two weeks. That has led to the rise in dengue cases," a health official said on the condition of anonymity. The spike has also eclipsed last year's numbers - September 2023 recorded just 35 cases, and the district had 81 cases by the end of th...