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Highest no of dengue deaths in Delhi today
There has been a sudden spurt in the number of dengue deaths ? five over the past 24 hours ? indicating the outbreak may be spinning out of control, reports Avishek G Dastidar.
There has been a sudden spurt in the number of dengue deaths — five over the past 24 hours — indicating the outbreak may be spinning out of control.
Also, 92 fresh cases were reported over the same period, probably the highest in a day since the first case was confirmed.
The outbreak will come under control only after Diwali, say doctors. Until then, there is very little anyone can do.
Dr DK Sharma, medical superintendent at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), admitted as much. “That is what epidemiological experts are saying,” he declared. “Mid and late October has always been the worst phase.”
Across India, the death count rose to 107 and the number of those affected to over 5,000.
Manoj Singh, 30, from Gurgaon, Muzaffar Iqbal, 60, from Muzaffarnagar and Kunwar Singh, 70, from Delhi's Rajapuri died at AIIMS, while two 10-year-old boys expired at Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital. “One boy was admitted three days ago while the other was brought in a critical condition to the emergency ward on Sunday,” medical superintendent Dr LC Thakur said.
Civic authorities have stepped up their anti-dengue drive. "We are using six new fogging machines in the central zone since more cases are being reported from that area," said municipal health officer, Dr NK Yadav.
“Besides, we have also deployed two 'health education' cars carrying the message of awareness through street plays, pamphlets and posters," said Yadav.
But he conceded the situation remained grim. "People have, by and large, cleaned out their water coolers, but we now find that the Aedes mosquitoes are breeding in open water tanks and other household water containers," he said.
Delhi Health Secretary DS Negi said: “Everything is being done to see that the outbreak does not spread anymore.”
But it does not seem to be enough.
