Rise in Cholera cases in Delhi

New Delhi, July 11 (UNI) The number of cholera cases almost doubled over the past two weeks in the capital, Delhi Health Minister Yoganand Shastri said today.

Thirty cholera cases were reported in the week up to July 7 whereas 17 such cases were reported in the previous week, he said.

Most of the cases were reported from unauthorized colonies, urbanised villages, JJ clusters and slums. But 91 of the cases were also reported from regularized colonies.

The Minister, who reviewed the situation at a meeting on water and vector-borne diseases, said 22 of the 1876 water samples tested by MCD staff were found unfit. Seven of the 1097 samples tested jointly with Delhi Jal Board too were found unfit.

During this week, 13,32,536 chlorine tablets and 7,761 ORS packets were distributed in the capital. As a health education measure, 35,241 handbills, 1,420 posters and 4,957 stickers were distributed among the people, he informed.

Ninety-two food hygiene raids were conducted in the week upto June 30 in which 4,40,430 kg unwholesome food and 4,35,307 kg substandard ice was seized. Action was taken against 190 water trollyes, 15 sugarcane crushers and 283 rehris.

Dr Shastri also instructed MCD officers to complete the de-silting work of drains by July 8.

Senior officers from the health department, the MCD, the NDMC, the DJB and Railways were present in the meeting, an official spokesman said.

UNI VN VD RN2015