Dum Dum Fever Survey Reports No New Dengue Cases Post-Tragedy

Kolkata, India – Following the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl, Saroni Banerjee, due to dengue fever, a comprehensive door-to-door fever survey in the Dum Dum neighborhood has revealed no new cases of the disease. The survey was conducted by local health officials in response to concerns raised by the community after Saroni's death on June 22, 2025. Dum Dum Municipality chairman Harendra Singh expressed his astonishment at the incident, noting that only two dengue cases, including Saroni's, had been reported within the municipality this year. 'We were surprised because there were no other reported cases in her locality. She recently traveled to Digha with her family, and we suspect she might have contracted dengue there,' Singh stated.

Saroni developed a fever shortly after her family’s trip to Digha on June 9, leading her mother, Gitika Banerjee, an ASHA worker, to seek medical attention. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated, prompting her family to rush her to South Dum Dum Municipal Hospital, where they claimed she received inadequate medical care. Her death certificate listed 'septic shock and dengue shock syndrome' as the immediate cause, with 'multi-organ failure' and 'disseminated intravascular coagulation' also cited.

In the wake of this tragedy, civic health officials have been actively monitoring Saroni’s neighborhood, conducting anti-larval spraying and clean-up drives to mitigate the risk of further dengue transmission. During a field visit by a Times of India team, open garbage heaps and stagnant water were observed in the vicinity of Saroni's home, raising concerns about the local environment's role in mosquito breeding. A local shopkeeper noted, 'Just a little rain causes knee-deep waterlogging here. During the monsoon, the situation becomes worse as drainage is completely ineffective.'

In contrast, Kousturi Chowdhury, the chairperson of the adjoining South Dum Dum Municipality, denied any dengue cases in her jurisdiction, asserting, 'We have taken year-round preventive steps and launched aggressive drives to destroy mosquito-breeding sites.' Notably, the South Dum Dum area had experienced a severe dengue outbreak in 2023, which resulted in eight deaths and nearly 1,000 reported cases.

As part of ongoing efforts to control dengue outbreaks, officials from Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation have reported fewer than 20 dengue cases this year. The New Town Kolkata Development Authority is set to initiate its annual anti-dengue drive, similar to last year's initiatives.

The current situation reflects a broader public health challenge, with local authorities emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and community engagement in preventive measures. The recent tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the impact of dengue fever in urban areas and the necessity for coordinated health responses. The municipality’s proactive measures may be crucial in preventing future outbreaks as the monsoon season approaches, which typically exacerbates mosquito breeding conditions. Local health officials continue to advocate for community participation in cleanliness drives to minimize the risks associated with dengue fever.