Five confirmed Dengue cases in Delhi

New Delhi, June 20: As many as five confirmed cases of Dengue fever have been reported in the National Capital so far, a senior health official said today.

''So far Delhi has five confirmed cases. While two were reported in January one case each has been reported in February, May and June,'' Head of Public Health Department Dr R P Vashisth told sources.

He said 35 hospitals across the National Capital have been directed to test all fever cases for dengue.

''Three of the patients do not hail from Delhi,'' he added.

Dengue infections tend to peak in rainy season, when the mosquitoes, Aedes, that carry the disease breed most rapidly in stagnant pools and ponds.

The vector borne disease typically causes high fever, nausea and intense joint pain. There is no real treatment, apart from rest and rehydration. In severe cases it can prove fatal.

The Delhi Government has launched a campaign to control the breeding of the mosquitoes and create awareness among the residents.

''We have to ensure that the source of the disease is targeted. For that MCD zonal offices have stepped up efforts of checking breeding and fumigation,'' he said.

Besides, three verifying units have been appointed to supervise the anti-breeding efforts, he added.

Dr Vashisth said the Health Department is prepared to check the spread of the disease.

''Action plans, training programmes, sensitisation programmes, participation of NGOs and RWAs. Each ward (there are 272 of them) will try to obtain maximum participation,'' he added.

Last year dengue deluge claimed several lives.

UNI