Dengue cases in West Bengal cross 4,000, seven dead; CM says situation under control

By August 19, West Bengal had reported 4,035 dengue cases, with seven deaths officially linked to the illness. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari convened a meeting on September 1, 2026, aiming to reassure the public about the outbreak. The Chief Minister noted that last year saw 7,600-plus cases, and this year has only 4,000-plus, crediting the decline to increased public awareness.

Disease management efforts involved representatives from 21 municipalities, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), and the State's Health Department. The government identified five districts most at risk: Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Murshidabad.

As of the meeting, 148 patients were hospitalized with the viral infection; their families have been placed under observation. Adhikari urged authorities to remain vigilant until November. He also emphasized that the state would not conceal dengue figures, urging doctors to accurately record cases in medical records. Adhikari stressed there is no need for fear when doctors note a dengue diagnosis; it will be appropriately addressed.

Reports alleged that dengue figures might have been concealed during the previous Trinamool Congress administration. Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Paul claimed West Bengal has recorded 15% fewer dengue cases this year compared to the same period last year, as of August 16. He cautioned that persistent rainfall could generate new mosquito breeding grounds, potentially exacerbating the outbreak.