Capital Desk, Delhi Magazine: The national capital, Delhi, has witnessed a troubling rise in dengue cases, with two more deaths reported, bringing the total number of dengue fatalities this year to three, according to official data. The latest deaths occurred at Safdarjung Hospital and Maharaja Agrasen Hospital in Punjabi Bagh, although specific details regarding the deceased and the timing of the deaths have not been disclosed by civic officials.
Delhi recorded its first dengue death this year on September 8, when a 54-year-old man succumbed to the virus at Lok Nayak Hospital. The recent fatalities highlight the ongoing health crisis as the city grapples with increasing dengue cases, which have surged to 2,115 in 2024.
In the seven-day period from September 29 to October 5, an alarming 485 new dengue cases were reported, with the Najafgarh zone recording the highest number of infections, followed by South Delhi. Last month, Delhi saw 1,052 dengue cases, marking it as the highest monthly total for this year.
The situation is compounded by a notable increase in malaria cases, with 511 reported so far this year, surpassing last year’s total of 426 cases. Between September 29 and October 5, 81 new malaria cases were identified. Additionally, the number of chikungunya cases has also seen an uptick, with 69 cases reported until October 5, surpassing the 65 cases recorded throughout all of 2023.
Health authorities are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites and eliminate stagnant water sources to combat the rise in vector-borne diseases as Delhi enters the peak dengue season. The ongoing health challenges underline the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to safeguard public health in the capital.