NEW DELHI: The number of dengue cases in the city have doubled in the past 15 days and crossed the 1,000-mark last week.
Till October 9, 480 dengue cases were reported, while the number reached 1,006 in the report ending on October 23. Last week alone, 283 dengue cases were reported in the city, stated the report brought out by South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC). In comparison, 489 dengue cases were reported till this time last year.
Last week, the maximum cases (98) were reported in SDMC areas, followed by 71 north Delhi, 36 in east, 6 in New Delhi Municipal Council and 68 untraced after investigation.
Of the 1,006 cases reported so far, 665 were reported just in October. September and October are considered the peak season for dengue infections. In October 2020, 346 dengue cases were reported, while 2019 and 2018 saw 787 and 1,114 cases, respectively, in the same month.
Last week, one dengue death was reported in Sarita Vihar, which was examined and confirmed by an expert committee.
The number of chikungunya cases, meanwhile, reached 73 in comparison with 74 last year till this time. Four cases were reported last week. As many as 12 new malaria cases were also reported last week, taking the total to 154 against 206 reported last year. Officials said the intermittent rains in the city had increased the chances of mosquito breeding and the residents must take all precautions to avoid the spread of the disease.
