Dengue and malaria cases in Delhi nearly triple since August
New Delhi: Delhi has recorded 597 dengue cases and 214 malaria cases this year. Infections have nearly tripled since August, according to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's weekly vector-borne disease report.
September alone accounted for 286 dengue and 124 malaria cases. In the week ending September 26, the city reported 85 new dengue cases and 29 malaria cases. No dengue or malaria-related death has been reported this year.
The surge comes in the post-monsoon period, when stagnant water and mosquito breeding rise. The MCD said it has carried out more than 3.03 crore house visits to check domestic breeding till September 26 and found larvae in over 1.76 lakh houses.
The civic body has issued 1,25,708 legal notices for mosquitogenic conditions. It has launched 17,599 prosecutions and collected Rs 25.98 lakh in fines through 11,803 penalty actions.
Dr Navin Bhatia, Consultant and Head of Paediatrics and PICU at PB Health, Gurugram, said parents should be cautious when children develop fever. "These infections can initially look like a routine viral illness, so it is important not to self-diagnose," he said.
He said warning signs include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, unusual sleepiness or restlessness and bleeding. Poor fluid intake, breathing difficulty and reduced urine output should also prompt medical attention, he added.
Parents should avoid giving aspirin or ibuprofen unless a doctor advises it, he said. Homes and surrounding areas should be kept free of stagnant water, which serves as a breeding site for mosquitoes.
(With inputs from PTI)
