Already grappling with various allergies and viral fever, Delhi has registered 479 dengue cases, 218 malaria cases, 12 cases of chikungunya and five confirmed cases of Japanese Encephalitis this season.
Though Delhi Health Minister Dr. A.K. Walia said the figures were not alarming and that the situation was under control, he, however, admitted that there was a need for more aggressive public participation in ensuring that breeding of disease-causing mosquitoes stays under control.
“We have recorded four dengue deaths this season but compared to previous years the number of deaths is lower. As for private hospitals reporting a larger number of dengue deaths, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi does not take into account the over 30 per cent dengue cases treated in Delhi but are from outside the Capital. We also do not take into account dengue cases that test positive on the dengue fever rapid test kit. Several cases that are under treatment in private and government hospitals in Delhi are suspected dengue cases and till they are confirmed we don't notify them as dengue cases,” said MCD Chief Medical Officer Dr. N. K. Yadav.
Malaria cases in Delhi have been reported mainly from rural areas and unauthorised colonies. “Dengue cases on the other hand have been reported from all over the city and we have occasional sporadic cases of Japanese Encephalitis which is not area specific,” noted Dr. Yadav.
“The MCD has been trying to spread awareness about controlling the spread of dengue and malaria and we are conducting fogging and mosquito breeding checking in all areas of the city. The city has reported cases of Japanese Encephalitis and we have taken samples from those affected to ensure that the disease is contained,” added Dr. Yadav.
MCD public health committee chairman Dr. V. K. Monga added that September and October months are the peak time for dengue and malaria cases here as the temperature is suitable for breeding of mosquitoes.
“We generally see a rise in these cases during these two months and then the number reduces as the temperature drops. There is a certain need for the public to be more aware and involved in controlling the spread of mosquitoes,” said Dr. Monga.
