Patiala, Oct. 14 -- Dengue cases are climbing rapidly in Punjab, with the tally this season reaching 1,671 as of Monday.

As per the Punjab health department data, Patiala remains the worst-affected district with 302 cases so far. Ludhiana follows with 190 confirmed cases. Last year, Punjab had reported 6,260 cases.

While the situation is under control, health officials have cautioned residents to take precautions, as dengue cases are expected to surge till November.

The "dengue season" generally runs from July to November, due to monsoon rains that create breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The data revealed that the state had reported 1,388 cases until October 8, while the count was 1,341 during the corresponding period last year. After...