Panchkula, Aug. 27 -- The weak monsoon in the region appears to have helped keep dengue cases low in Panchkula, with the district reporting only seven cases so far this year, health officials said. Chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Mukta Kumar said the seven cases reported till August 25 were scattered across different parts of the district, with no particular area emerging as a hotspot. Similarly, only seven malaria cases have been detected so far, which officials termed a positive sign. Last year, until August 31, there were 19 dengue cases and six malaria cases in the district, according to official data. The cases have been reported from Kalka, Pinjore, Surajpur, Old Panchkula and other parts of the city. A dedicated dengue ward with five to six beds has also been set up to treat patients, if required. Dr Kumar advised residents to ensure that water does not accumulate in and around their homes, as stagnant water provides breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue. Health department teams are conducting door-to-door inspections of houses, markets and offices, issuing notices wherever mosquito larvae are found.htc...