Delhi: 52 dengue cases in first week of Aug’16
NEW DELHI: The capital may be facing at another dengue epidemic after 2015. The count has already reached 171, with 52 cases reported during the first week of August. This is the highest number of cases reported in one week this year. Last year, 119 cases were reported till the first week of August.
Public health officials fear the situation may get worse than 2015. "This year excessive breeding of dengue mosquitoes has been reported and if not contained, it may lead to another epidemic," said a senior official from North Corporation.
Out of the 52 cases, 26 were reported from South Corporation areas. "Despite the claims of conducting regular checks, the corporation has failed to contain breeding," said Farhad Suri, leader of opposition. But a senior official said, "During regular checks, field workers try to make people aware about the precautionary measures required to avoid mosquito breeding."
Last year, dengue killed 60 people and over 15,000 cases were reported, putting enormous pressure on healthcare facilities. Health minister Satyendar Jain recently announced opening of 350 dengue clinics in hospitals, dispensaries and mohalla clinics to avoid similar situations. "We have also reissued orders to cap the cost of dengue test at Rs 600 and that of platelet count at Rs 50 at private hospitals and laboratories," Jain added.
However, the government had failed to create awareness about prevention. "Dengue-causing mosquitoes breed inside but people ignore this fact and there's little political will to spread the word. Also, there is no punitive action for delay at construction sites. Large-scale construction works, like those by Metro and various government agencies, also allow water to stagnate, making them potential breeding grounds," said Dr K K Aggarwal, secretary general of Indian Medical Association.
According to Dr Rommel Tickoo, senior consultant (internal medicine) at Max Hospital Saket, they have got several chikungunya cases as well. "I haven't come across so many cases of this mosquito-borne disease in recent times."
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