As many as 472 dengue cases were recorded in Delhi over the past week, bringing the total number of cases in the city this year to 4,533 between January 1 and November 9, according to the weekly report released by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The recent cases have sparked renewed concerns about mosquito-borne diseases in the capital, although officials noted that the current strain is not severe.
In terms of fatalities, three deaths due to dengue have been reported in Delhi so far this year, although no new fatalities have been added recently. When broken down by zones, the highest number of cases last week was reported from the Najafgarh zone, which accounted for 675 cases. It was followed by the South zone with 628 cases, and the Central zone with 490 cases. The Narela zone, on the other hand, recorded the lowest count, with just 202 confirmed cases.
Dengue Statistics: A Year-on-Year Comparison
The latest figures reveal a drop in dengue cases compared to the previous year. By this time in 2023, 5,644 cases had been reported. This year’s count of 4,533 cases shows a decline, although it remains higher than in 2022, which saw 2,070 cases, and 2021, which recorded 3,857 cases by mid-November. Notably, 2023 had been one of the worst years for dengue in recent history, with a total of 9,266 cases and 19 fatalities by the year’s end, making it the third most severe outbreak in the city.
Historically, the worst dengue outbreak in Delhi occurred in 2015, when the city registered 15,867 cases and 60 deaths throughout the year. The second most severe year was 2021, with a total of 9,613 cases and 23 deaths reported.
Breakdown of Dengue Cases in 2024
The breakdown of cases by month this year shows a significant surge during the post-monsoon period. The city recorded 472 cases in November alone, while October witnessed the highest spike with 2,431 cases. In September, there were 1,052 cases, followed by 256 in August and 76 in July. Comparatively, only 246 cases were reported between January and June, indicating the seasonal nature of the outbreak.
The MCD’s report also highlighted the current situation with other vector-borne diseases. Malaria cases have increased slightly, with a total of 728 cases reported so far this year, up from 709 cases the previous week. Chikungunya cases have also seen a minor rise, from 151 to 172 cases in the same timeframe.
Preventive Measures and MCD’s Actions
In response to the ongoing dengue outbreak, the MCD has intensified efforts to control mosquito breeding in the city. The latest action taken report indicates that 274,290 houses were found to have mosquito-breeding sites. Legal notices have been issued to 156,265 households for maintaining conditions conducive to mosquito breeding, which could potentially escalate the transmission of diseases.
A senior official from the MCD emphasized that, with the recent decrease in temperature, adult mosquitoes are not migrating indoors as frequently. However, citizens are advised to remain vigilant, especially around dusk, to prevent mosquitoes from entering their homes by keeping windows and doors closed.
Despite the high number of cases, it was noted by the official that the current strain of dengue virus circulating in the city is milder, resulting in mostly mild cases that do not require hospitalization. Nevertheless, people are urged to take precautions, such as using mosquito repellents and ensuring there are no stagnant water sources around their homes, to curb the spread of the disease.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)