PATNA, Sept. 2 -- State capital Patna is witnessing a sharp rise in dengue cases, with 97 infections reported in August alone - nearly four times the 26 cases recorded in July - raising concern as mosquito-breeding season peaks in the city. District health officials said on Tuesday that 167 dengue cases have been detected in Patna so far this year, of which 65 patients required hospitalisation. The situation, however, remains largely under control, with 59 of those hospitalised already discharged. Six patients were undergoing treatment at private hospitals as of August 31. Jayaprabha Medanta Hospital has recorded the highest number of hospitalisations at 26, with two patients currently undergoing treatment. Kurji Holy Family Hospital has reported 10 hospitalisations, followed by Sri Sai Hospital with eight and Paras, Mediversal and Asian hospitals with five each. Ford, Kurji, Sai and Medipark hospitals account for the remaining current admissions. Of the 167 cases detected this year, 84 were reported by government hospitals, 62 by private hospitals and 21 by private diagnostic centres. Nalanda Medical College Hospital (NMCH) reported the highest number of cases in the government sector at 45. Among private facilities, Medanta reported 29 cases and Asian Hospital 14, while six other hospitals reported cases in single digits. Sen Diagnostics reported the highest cases (6) among private laboratories. Young people in the productive age group have accounted for a substantial share of infections. "As many as 94 of the total 167 dengue cases this year have been reported from the young productive age group between 11 and 40 years," district programme manager Dr Vivek Kumar Singh said. The 21-30 age group accounted for the highest number of cases at 41, followed by 31 cases among those aged 11-20 and 22 among those aged 31-40. Twenty cases were reported among children aged 0-10, while 21 patients were above 61 years and 19 were in the 51-60 age group. Sampatchak was the worst-affected block with 13 cases, followed by Phulwarisharif with 12. Danapur and Patna Sadar had six cases each, while Khusrupur and Naubatpur had four and two , respectively....