Delhi has recorded 4,533 cases of dengue, of which three have been fatal, with the latest report from MCD till November 2024. The number of cases has already surpassed the total for the corresponding period in 2023 in which the city recorded 9,266 cases and 19 deaths.
October saw the highest number of dengue cases this year, affecting 2,431 people. This month, authorities have reported 472 cases so far. Najafgarh in South Delhi, Shahdara North, Karol Bagh, and Central Delhi account for the most number of cases reported this year.
Dengue is a dangerous virus, whose vector is the Aedes aegyti mosquito. The symptoms are high fever, pain behind the eyes, rashes, joint pain, body aches, and vomiting. Severe cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever cause internal bleeding. And a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to mortality. Waterlogging is the condition wherein this disease may spread rapidly because of mosquito breeding.
On the other hand, the Delhi government has been proactive as far as dengue is concerned by spraying insecticides. So far, authorities have sprayed over 23 lakh homes, finding mosquito breeding sites in more than 2.7 lakh homes. They have issued legal notices to over 1.5 lakh property owners for creating conditions that promote mosquito breeding.
Apart from dengue, Delhi is also reporting cases of malaria and chikungunya. Health officials have confirmed 728 cases of malaria this year, but no deaths have been recorded. Additionally, 172 cases of chikungunya have been registered.
With due respect, there is an emerging crisis related to vector-borne diseases like dengue. As per the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, during the last few years, outbreaks due to dengue have been more frequent. Affecting many states with newly added areas. In fact, its residents must take precautions in keeping house in order to reduce the presence of standing water, which acts as a breeding site for mosquitoes and protects from such hazardous diseases.
Another situation clearly outlines the importance of continuously addressing vector-born diseases in public health. And making the population aware of the problem by applying preventive measures.
ANI
