The ‘unprecedented’ and ‘abrupt’ variations in climate has led to the steep rise in the cases of dengue, malaria and ‘severe’ flu in the national Capital, say experts, adding that climate change is not constant which is providing breeding ground for mosquitoes. Last week, 488 fresh cases of dengue were reported in Delhi.
According to latest figure issued by released by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) on Monday there are 488 fresh cases of dengue reported in the Capital last week. With this, the total number of dengue cases in the city has gone to 1,644 this year.
According to Dr Vikas Maurya, senior doctor, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, the climate change is not constant which is providing breeding ground for mosquitoes.
“If you see the weather, it is not constant. So, one day it rains, water gets collected and then it does not rain for 2-3 days and then it rains again. So, it is not making any difference to the stagnant water. This is what has happened in the last week of September. We are seeing the consequences now,” he said.
Similarly, Dr Atul Kakar, Vice Chairman, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said, “We generally see a rise in cases after the rains because it takes around 10 days to see the manifestations,” he said.
Also, this year, the hospitals are seeing severe cases of viral flu. “The weather is taking toll on the immune systems of people. Viral infections happen more when the immune power is not there. These days, the virus is staying for the longer durations and is becoming severe,” said Dr Maurya. They have seen a 50 per cent rise in flu cases this season, he added.
Underlining some precautions to counter Dengue, he said, “The precautions are normal. Use mosquito repellents, wear clothes which cover your full body and avoid places that are more prone to the diseases.”