Delhi sees two more dengue deaths, case tally soars to over 2,000

Two more dengue deaths registered in Delhi, case tally soars to over 2,000 The national capital has reported two additional deaths attributed to dengue, as the number of cases of the mosquito-borne virus has surged to 2,115 this year, according to official statistics.

In September, Delhi recorded its first dengue death of the year when a 54-year-old man died from the virus at Lok Nayak Hospital on September 8.

The two new fatalities were reported at Safdarjung Hospital and Maharaja Agrasen Hospital in Punjabi Bagh, West Delhi, according to a civic body official who requested anonymity.

However, the official did not disclose when the deaths occurred or any other details about the deceased.

These fatalities have been included in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) weekly report on vector-borne diseases in the city.

The report indicates that a total of three dengue deaths have been confirmed in the capital this year. In comparison, Delhi recorded 19 dengue deaths last year.

Also Read: Dengue Returns: Hospitals, civic agencies gear up to counter the threat of vector-borne diseases

In a span of seven days from September 29 to October 5, Delhi reported an additional 485 dengue cases, which is already halfway to last month’s total. The Najafgarh zone recorded the highest number of cases during this period, followed by South Delhi Zone.

Last month, Delhi reported 1,052 dengue cases, the highest for any month this year.

Malaria cases have also increased in the past week, from September 29 to October, with a rise of 81 cases. The total number of malaria cases this year has exceeded last year’s figures, reaching 511 cases by October 5. Last year, Delhi recorded 426 malaria cases.

Similarly, the number of Chikungunya cases has also risen, with the current total standing at 69 as of October 5, compared to 65 cases recorded for the entire year in 2023.

Also Read: Dengue surge in Delhi: Essential dos and don’ts to remember

The MCD has taken action against over 200,000 individuals by issuing legal notices and challans for permitting mosquito breeding on their properties, imposing a total penalty of Rs 28 lakh up to October 5. The weekly report further reveals that over 29.91 crore house visits have been conducted by the corporation, and 9.26 lakh homes have been treated with anti-mosquito sprays.

“We advise residents to eliminate any waste items in their homes that can collect water and facilitate mosquito breeding. Despite the decrease in rainfall, residents are urged to remain vigilant and maintain cleanliness around their surroundings,” the official added.

(With inputs from PTI)