Dengue death toll touches 42 in New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 25: Dengue has claimed one more life in the national capital, taking the death toll to 42 even as the total number of reported viral disease cases stood at 2,216.

Thirteen-year-old Asish, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Kashkanj area, died of dengue fever early today at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

MCD officials said during the past 24 hours till 1000 hrs this morning, 43 fresh cases were reported as against 60 yesterday morning.

Of the total number of cases reported during the past 24 hours till 1000 hrs this morning, 1,405 are from Delhi alone.

Experts said the disease, caused by the aedes mosquitoes, is on the decline in the capital due to the falling temperature which is not conducive for breeding.

MCD Health Officer N K Yadav said the fresh cases being reported also include some late cases admitted to hospitals over the weekend and Monday.

''On account of holidays, some cases were reported late to us.

But the numbers are definitely coming down,'' he added In AIIMS, 43 patients were admitted to the dengue ward and 27 were discharged in the past 24 hours till 1000 hrs this morning.

The total number of dengue patients in the hospital is 184.

Another 30 people are under observation in the institute.

AIIMS Medical Superintendent Dr D K Sharma said some cases were not reported over the weekend and they have been admitted in the hospital now.

''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.

UNI