Over 2,700 cases of dengue have been reported in the country, claiming at least 40 lives, with Delhi and Kerala accounting for the majority of the patients, it was officially stated on Wednesday.
Besides the national capital, which has seen nearly 600 patients, reports of people being infected by dengue came in from Kerala (713 cases), Uttar Pradesh (71), Haryana (36), Rajasthan (260), Maharashtra (226), Tamil Nadu (225), Gujarat (201), West Bengal (314), Karnataka (59), Uttaranchal (6) and Bihar (3).
While 15 dengue deaths were reported from Delhi, including four since Tuesday, Rajasthan accounted for six deaths, Kerala, UP and Karnataka four each, West Bengal and Gujarat three each and Haryana one.
Union Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss, who has convened a meeting of health ministers of the affected states, told reporters here that "there is no need to panic. We have a problem and it is a matter of concern. It is not an epidemic".
He said there is enough blood and platelets to meet the demand in Delhi. "We need to create mass awareness and for that we need public participation. We have roped in the Indian Medical Association and school children for the purpose," the Health Minister said.
{{/usCountry}}He said there is enough blood and platelets to meet the demand in Delhi. "We need to create mass awareness and for that we need public participation. We have roped in the Indian Medical Association and school children for the purpose," the Health Minister said.
{{/usCountry}}The Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council and other civic bodies were carrying out a major drive to check mosquito breeding. National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme Director P L Joshi said 11,985 cases of the viral infection were reported last year taking a toll of 157 lives.