With 71 new cases reported last week, the number of dengue cases has registered an exponential rise, reaching to an alarming 328. If the present trend continues, the dengue cases may surpass the malarial ones worsening the situation further in the coming months, say experts. Out of the fresh dengue cases, 41 diagnosed belong to neighbouring States.
Dr Atul Kakar, Vice Chairman, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital said that dengue is a post rains phenomenon and rises suddenly every year after heavy rains and subsequent water- logging.
He said that the city may witness more cases of vector borne diseases in coming month. "Every year in the month of September and October, the cases of dengue record a sudden rise," he said.
"The Capital has witnessed heavy rainfall this season that led to water logging everywhere. It all provided a suitable atmosphere for mosquitoes breeding," he said.
Interestingly, according to the data provided by the municipal corporations, the cases of dengue suddenly increased in the month of August last year.
The report stated that there were 131 cases of dengue reported in July and around 520 cases registered in August. The cases kept on rising till November. In September last year, more than 1000 cases were recorded and in October more than 2000 cases of dengue were there.
As of now, around 328 cases of dengue have been recorded out of which 191 belong to other states. On the other hand, 365 cases of malaria were found with 50 new cases reported last week. Also, 78 cases of chikungunya have also been reported till now, as per data provided by municipal reports.
Meanwhile, Adesh Gupta, Mayor of North Delhi appealed people to protect themselves from the vector borne diseases by taking precautionary measures. He further said that North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NMC) is trying its best to lower down the cases.
"All coolers should be cleaned once a week and mopped dry before refilling, and overhead and other water tanks should be kept properly covered," he said.
He further said that the civic body has left no stone unturned to ensure that the spray of insecticides and cleanliness should be maintained on regular basis to prevent diseases, as stagnant water is conducive for breeding of mosquitoes.
As per the latest report by Municipal Corporation of Delhi, 7, 96,038 houses have been sprayed. Around 1, 40,949 houses were found positive for breeding following which legal notices have been sent to 1, 23,629 and prosecutions have been launched to 16,731.
