Six new dengue cases in Delhi, 48 so far this year

According to the records maintained by the civic bodies, in the January 1 to March 12 period, Delhi recorded five dengue cases in 2021, six dengue cases in 2020, three cases in 2019, nine cases in 2018 and eight cases in 2017.

The national capital has recorded six new dengue cases over the past week, taking the infection count to 48 so far this year, showed the weekly report on vector borne diseases, released by the three municipal corporations every Monday. The number is cause for concern if one takes into account the fact that dengue cases had never overshot the 10-case mark, in the January to March period, in the past six years.

Dengue cases had never overshot the 10-case mark, in the January to March period, in the past six years. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

According to the records maintained by the civic bodies, in the January 1 to March 12 period, Delhi recorded five dengue cases in 2021, six dengue cases in 2020, three cases in 2019, nine cases in 2018 and eight cases in 2017. Delhi has also registered four malaria cases this year (till March 12), the weekly reported stated.

A senior health official from the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said both malaria causing anopheles and dengue causing aedes aegypti mosquitoes become active when the temperature goes above 27-28 degrees Celsius.

“At these temperatures, all sub-species of mosquitoes have become active. The only difference is the site of breeding. Aedes mosquities breed in clear water,” the official said.

In 2021, Delhi recorded 9,613 dengue cases and 23 fatalities