Delhi reported first death due to Dengue, Dengue cases in Delhi are on the spike: Here is how you can protect yourself?
Dengue cases in Delhi are on a spike. Recently, Delhi has reported its first death due to Dengue. A report by South Delhi Municipal Corporation revealed that out of 720 cases of Dengue, 382 have been reported this month till October 16. As per an MCD report, the number of Dengue cases in the previous three years was 316 (2020), 467 ( 2019) and 830 ( 2018). As per the data, Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar has seen the highest Dengue cases. Notably, each year around 400 million people get infected with this virus.
The report further added that in the month of September, the national capital registered 217 dengue cases, the highest for the same month in the last three years. Notably, with the onset of monsoon, every year Delhi witnesses a dengue outbreak that ends when the winter season arrives. Apart from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh Ghaziabad is also witnessing an increase in the number of dengue cases.
Doctors all across Delhi are now witnessing fewer and fewer COVID cases and more admissions of Dengue cases. Despite the spike in Dengue cases in the National Capital, people feel that measures are not being taken on ground level.
We spoke to some residents in East Delhi many people complained that efforts are not evident on the ground. Residents pointed out the uncovered drains and uncovered drains that carry waste. Well, the Delhi government is running drive –10 minute, 10 Bje, Har Ravivaar and urging citizens to check that water doesn’t get stored for a long time anywhere in the home.
What all measures should be taken to combat dengue cases?
- People should wear full sleeves clothes while stepping out of the home
- Use mosquito repellent, make sure you are not allergic to it.
- Make sure your home is well–lit all day long. Mosquitoes usually breed in dark places. Have the sun steam through the windows all day long to ensure that your home is not inviting mosquitoes.
- Use mosquito deterrents: While cleaning your house, do not forget to use mosquito deterrents that prevent dengue mosquitoes from entering your home. You can use electronic vaporisers, you can drop lemongrass in the water before cleaning. Use bed nets while sleeping and ensure all windows are closed.
On the other hand, DBC workers have complained that many gated colonies do not allow them inside the premises. They demanded the power to enter the colonies so that they can issue challans. At least the fear of challans will force people to keep their surroundings clean. Delhi saw its worst outbreak in 2015 with more than 15000 cases and 60 deaths followed by 9,271 cases and 10 deaths in 2017.
Common symptoms of dengue include headache, vomiting and high fever. If you have any of these symptoms, do not forget to visit the doctor.
