Nearly 30 dengue cases in Delhi

New Delhi, July 21: Nearly 30 cases of dengue have been reported till last week this year, the highest number for the period in the last six years, according to a municipal report on the vector-borne disease.

The number of cases during January 1 till July 18 for the earlier five years were – 16 (2014), 14 (2013), 8 (2012), 11 (2011), 28 (2010). Out of the total number of cases in 2015, 12 have been reported in July only.

In Delhi out of the total 29 cases, the maximum number of them was reported from north Delhi, at 10, while east Delhi recorded the lowest number with six cases.

Nine cases were recorded in south Delhi during the period, a recent report by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) said.

Two cases were reported from areas outside the jurisdiction of the municipal corporations in the city while a case each was reported from Uttar Pradesh and one other state from January 1 till July 18.

A senior North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) today said, though this is beginning of the monsoon season, the figures are a "not a reason for worry".

"While dengue cases are being reported, its number this year is expected to be lower this year by the end of the season, as we have taken all precautionary measures to ward off the vector-borne disease.Besides, between intermittent rains, one dry spell with sunny weather reduces breeding.

"So, further number of cases will depend on how the weather plays out from here on," the senior official said. All three corporations –North, South and East – have their own anti-dengue drive to create awareness and penalise people and institutions if water stagnation is found in coolers and other areas.

Besides, a dengue month is also marked by the civic bodies to intensify the drive and create greater awareness among the people. In 2014, the city had reported three deaths and recorded nearly 1,000 cases.In 2013, over 5,500 cases were reported, while six people had died due to the disease.

PTI