Eight dengue cases in one week in Delhi

Eight cases of dengue were reported in one week, up from three the week ending July 2, shows Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) data till July 9. This takes the total number of dengue cases to 39 in the NCR.

Eight cases of dengue were reported in one week, up from three the week ending July 2, shows Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) data till July 9. This takes the total number of dengue cases to 39 in the NCR.

Eight cases of dengue were reported in one week, up from three the week ending July 2, shows Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) data till July 9. This takes the total number of dengue cases to 39 in the NCR.

Only 23 cases had been registered during the same period last year, when Delhi had witnessed its worst dengue outbreak, affecting more than 15,000 and killing 60.

However, the number of cases rose suddenly by the middle of the month last year and a total of 36 cases were registered in July alone. Till now, 11 cases have been registered in July this year.

Health department officials have been on their toes this year as the weather department has predicted above average rainfall.

“Increased rainfall creates more breeding opportunities for aedes egypti, the mosquito that transmits dengue. Intermittent rains over long periods of time are worse because it creates puddles that do not drain out frequently and can be the breeding ground for these mosquitoes,” he said. Aedes Egypti breeds only in clear water, which remains stagnant for around seven days.

The mosquito also breeds in clear water stored at homes in various containers, in coolers or bird-baths. To prevent this, the government officials have been asking people to observe a “dry day” once a week.

“People must drain out water from coolers, plastic containers, feng shui plants, bird baths, etc., scrub them and dry them. This will break the breeding cycle of the mosquito that takes around eight to ten days to mature from the larvae,” a government official said.