PRAYAGRAJ, Aug. 14 -- The early arrival of monsoon rains in July followed by heavy flooding in August has heightened the risk of vector-borne diseases in Prayagraj, with dengue cases surfacing weeks ahead of the usual season. The city recorded its first dengue-related death on August 5, when a local snack vendor, a resident of the Chandralok Cinema area- succumbed to the disease while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Lucknow. As the death occurred in a facility beyond district limits, it has not yet been reflected in official records. District health officials confirmed a surge in patients exhibiting dengue-like symptoms, though only 15 cases have been officially verified so far this year. Two suspected cases remain untraced. "Typically, dengue cases emerge in September, but this year we're seeing confirmed reports as early as August," said district malaria officer Anand Singh. "However, no deaths have been recorded, and there have been no new confirmed cases in the past four days," he shared. According to the Malaria Department, from 2021 to 2024, Prayagraj recorded a total of 3,613 dengue cases, with 2022 being the worst year at 1,465 cases and 2024 registering 344 cases. This year, the case count has risen gradually month by month, with the first reports in February. So far, this year, the district has witnessed 15 verified cases of dengue even as two suspected cases remain untraced, said the district malaria officer. Since January 2025, one dengue case each was recorded in February and March, two in April, three in May, two in June followed by five in July and another two in August. Meanwhile, hospitals have started reserving beds specifically for dengue patients. SRN Hospital has set aside 23 beds in its old building, all equipped with mosquito nets. Samples from three suspected cases have been sent for testing, and 20 patients are currently being treated in the ward. At Motilal Nehru (Colvin) Divisional Hospital, chief medical superintendent Dr Suman Kumar Chaudhary said that 25 beds have been reserved for dengue patients, all with mosquito nets installed. The hospital is equipped with necessary medications and diagnostic facilities. A Quick Response Team of doctors has also been formed, she shared. At Tej Bahadur (Beli) Hospital, a dedicated dengue ward has been set up on the upper floor of the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). Special precautions are being taken during the treatment of suspected cases, and general patients are not being admitted to the reserved ward....