JAMMU, October 18, 2026 – The mosquito-borne dengue fever continues to tighten its grip across Jammu and Kashmir, with the Union Territory reporting 1,393 positive cases and one fatality so far this year. While the Jammu district remains the epicenter of the outbreak, health authorities are particularly alarmed by the sudden spike in cases in the hilly district of Doda, which has recorded an unprecedented 228 infections.
According to the latest data released by the State Malariologist, the cumulative figures up to October 16 indicate widespread transmission. Jammu district accounts for the lion’s share with 771 cases. However, it is the spread into the hilly terrains that has raised red flags. Doda’s 228 cases and Samba’s 188 are followed by Kathua (46), Rajouri (30), Udhampur (28), Reasi (21), Ramban (20), Poonch (12), Kishtwar (12), and the Kashmir Valley (7).
The single dengue-related fatality this year was a 47-year-old man from the Kaili Mandi area of Samba district, who tragically passed away at AIIMS Vijaypur on October 3.
The demographic breakdown reveals that adults are bearing the brunt of the infections, with 1,198 cases reported among those aged 18 and above, compared to 195 cases among children. Furthermore, males (829) have been disproportionately affected compared to females (564).
While the overall cumulative caseload (1,393) is slightly lower than the 1,980 cases reported during the corresponding period in 2025, the daily transmission rates remain a significant concern. The second week of October saw a steady influx of patients, with the UT recording 51 cases on October 9, peaking at 55 on October 12, and continuing with 34 cases on October 15.
The detection of such a high volume of cases in Doda—a hilly district that historically hasn’t reported large-scale dengue outbreaks—underscores a worrying shift in the disease’s geographical spread. Medical experts emphasize the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, aggressive mosquito-control measures, and public awareness campaigns, not just in urban centers but crucially across the vulnerable hilly belts of the region.
Published by True Roots Media Network