Dengue on decline in Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) Dengue outbreak in the national capital is on the decline as the breeding of aedes mosquitoes, which spreads the viral disease, has nearly subsided due to the falling temperature MCD officials said 69 fresh cases were reported in the national capital during the past 24 hours till 1000 hrs this morning, taking the total to 2,173.

''The fresh cases being reported also include some late cases admitted to hospitals on Saturday and Sunday. On account of holiday, some cases were reported late to us. But the numbers are definitely coming down'' MCD Health Officer N K Yadav said.

He said of the total number of cases, 1379 patients are from Delhi.

So far, the viral disease has claimed 41 lives.

In AIIMS, 18 patients were admitted to the dengue ward and 38 were discharged in the past 24 hours till 1000 hrs this morning compared to 41 cases yesterday morning.

The total number of dengue patients in the hospital is 169, compared to 189 yesterday morning.

Another 50 people are under observation during the past 24 hours.

No death has been reported from the institute in the past three days.

AIIMS Medical Superintendent Dr D K Sharma said the change in the weather is responsible for the declining numbers.

''Now that the weather has changed, the disease is on the decline and within the next week or ten days it will subside fully,'' he added.

The Hospital will also gradually withdraw its dengue contingency plan and start admitting other patients besides dengue and emergency.

''Yes we will start treatment for other patients who were so far asked to return back,'' Dr Sharma said.

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