Malaria, dengue cases lower than last yr in capital

Cases of dengue and malaria in Delhi have been in control so far. The reported cases this year are much lower than those reported around the same time last year.

While the total number of dengue cases reported till August 16, 2013, was 54, this year so far 26 cases have been reported. In total, 142 dengue cases were recorded in August last year.
Five malaria cases have been recorded this month so far, as against 28 in August 2013. Last month, seven cases of malaria were reported.

The Directorate of Health Services and municipal bodies claim the drive against dengue and malaria have been more intensive, but some doctors say the number is lesser due to sparse rainfall.

“The drive against dengue and malaria in the city have been according to the standard protocols. But this time screening of patients for symptoms of dengue at hospital OPDs has been much more intensive. We have repeatedly issued advisories to all hospitals to eradicate the breeding source. The situation is in control,” said Dr Charan Singh, additional director, public health, DHS.

Recently, six cases of breeding of dengue mosquitoes were found at Lok Nayak Hospital. “We will identify the spots soon and take steps accordingly,” said Dr Siddharth Ramji, medical superintendent, Lok Nayak Hospital.

The hospital has only observed sporadic cases till now. “There are not as many cases this year. It is usually with the onset of monsoon that breeding of mosquitoes rises. There has been not much rainfall till now. Otherwise the standard protocols are on,” said Dr Ramji.

While in May three cases of dengue were reported, June and July recorded 10 and seven respectively. There has been no deaths due to dengue so far. According to hospitals, the monitoring process has been stricter than previous years.  

“There has been no alarming number this year because the measures implemented were much earlier. Even if there was a slight potential of a breeding site, the civil engineer had to immediately take stock of the situation. Doctors at OPD were also instructed to screen for dengue symptoms like body ache more proactively. This has helped raise the awareness level,” said Dr Amita Saxena, medical superintendent, Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital.
 
The New Delhi Municipal Council had issued challans against four major hospitals – AIIMS, RML Hospital, Lady Hardinge and Safdarjung Hospital – as they were found to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.