Dengue outbreak in Delhi: The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) has said that Delhi has reported over 5,000 Dengue cases. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has not shared data on vector-borne diseases in the national capital since the first week of August this year.
According to the NCVBDC report, 5,221 cases of dengue and one death due to the disease had been recorded in Delhi till mid-September this year.
On Tuesday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s House was adjourned amid protests by Congress and BJP councillors on the issue of dengue data and listed agenda. According to a report by news agency PTI, members of Congress party, some of them holding placards and posters, raised slogans in the House, alleging a lack of transparency in issuing data related to dengue cases reported in the national capital and, also on the issue of pollution.
An Indian Express report revealed that that the spike in cases was the highest in the month of September with 2,141 cases. While 1,487 cases were reported in October (till the 21st), August saw 1,094. One dengue death has been reported so far, as per data.
Dengue in Delhi: Here’s what experts say
According to experts, incessant rainfall in Delhi has led to a spike in dengue cases in the region.
“The increase in dengue cases can be attributed to several factors, including climate change, urbanization, and the proliferation of the Aedes mosquito, which is the primary vector for dengue transmission. Aedes mosquitoes thrive in warm, tropical environments, and as these conditions become more common, the risk of dengue transmission increases,” Dr Sunil Chaudhary, Consultant Internal Medicine, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi told Financial Express.com.
Distinguishing between dengue fever and a normal fever can be challenging, as they share similar symptoms initially, he said.
“However, dengue may have symptoms such as severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, bleeding gums, and a sudden high fever. If you suspect dengue, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis,” he added.
According to Dr Tushar Tayal, Lead Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.
“Viruses survive better in warmer temperatures. Every year at the end of monsoon season and once the temperatures start increasing again, conditions become optimal for the survival and proliferation of viruses. Mosquitoes are the carriers of dengue virus, and they require stagnant water and warmer temperatures for their proliferation, hence there is a rise in cases of dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses in this season,” Dr. Tayal told Financial Express.com.
Dengue is characterized by flu-like symptoms which include a sudden high-grade fever coming in separate waves, pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint, and bone pain, severe headache, abdominal fullness, nausea and vomiting, and a skin rash with red spots which happens by the 5th day of illness, he said.
“It is difficult to distinguish between dengue fever and simple viral fever based on symptoms alone as the symptoms may overlap, hence it is ideal to get yourself tested if the fever persists beyond 3 days,” he told Financial Express.com.
How to prevent Dengue?
Here are some preventive measures that can be taken to avoid dengue:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin.
- Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) long-sleeved, breathable garments.
- Get rid of water containers around dwellings and ensure that door and window screens work
- Spraying Larvicidal insecticides and pesticides in stagnant water
- Regular fogging activities in societies and colonies
- Use of mosquito nets, aerosolised insecticides in rooms while sleeping
- Herbal plants which have insect-repellant actions may additionally be used
- Burning of camphor and dhoop may offer some additional benefits.
- Apply ice or Aloe Vera gel on mosquito bites for symptomatic relief
