Dengue on the rise: 39 fresh cases

Delhi on Monday reported 39 new cases of dengue, taking the total number of persons affected by the mosquito-borne disease to 949. Of the fresh cases, nine persons are from outside Delhi. Two children have succumbed to the disease in the city so far this year.

Delhi on Monday reported 39 new cases of dengue, taking the total number of persons affected by the mosquito-borne disease to 949.

HT Image

Of the fresh cases, nine persons are from outside Delhi. Two children have succumbed to the disease in the city so far this year.

South Delhi has been the worst affected, with 355 dengue cases having been reported so far this season from areas under the South Delhi Municipal Corporation.

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation follows with reported 311 cases. Two-hundred and thirty-nine cases have been reported from East Delhi Municipal Corporation areas. New Delhi Municipal council areas have reported 22 cases.

Most cases have been reported in the month of October as the disease peaks around this time every year. Six persons have also been infected with chikungunya in the city.

The hospitals have been flooded with patients suffering from dengue-like symptoms. "Not just dengue, this year the number of malaria cases is also very high. We have had to put additional 20 beds to accommodate the rush," said a senior doctor from a Delhi government-run hospital.

The state health minister has directed officials from the health department and all medical superintendents of the government-run hospitals to keep disaster beds ready for dengue patients.

Blood banks have also been asked to stay alert round the clock to meet any requirement for blood and blood components.

"We are prepared to meet any eventuality. All our hospitals are well-equipped to tackle the rush and there is no need to panic," said Dr AK Walia, state health minister.