Dengue toll reaches 489 in Delhi
POSTED November 7, 2009 - 13:34 | POSTED BY Kangna Agarwal
Last edited by Harpreet Bhagrath on November 7, 2009 - 17:17
"Twenty-five more patients have tested positive for dengue, taking the number of cases this season to 489," municipal health officer, Municipal Corporation Delhi (MCD), N K Yadav said.
The civic authorities have noted that stagnant water found in various under-construction sites and open back lane drains on roadside make breeding areas.
"There are water storages left open at construction sites across Delhi. Many have been notified as breeding areas. We have warned contractors and they should take appropriate action. This is a matter of concern for the MCD," Yadav said.
Steps taken to fight dengue
To control the spread of dengue fever in the capital, a nodal officer has been appointed by the Delhi government.
Health Minister Kiran Walia announced Friday that it is mandatory for the private and government hospitals to report all the dengue cases to the nodal officer.
"The information about the dengue patients will be provided to the nodal officer with immediate effect every day by noon," said Walia.
The MCD has also drafted an action plan to keep a check on the breeding of mosquitoes in different parts of the capital.
"We have prepared information pamphlets and these will be circulated among residents. After the initial period to create awareness, from next week we are going to step up penalising offenders," MCD's Chief Medical Officer N.K. Yadav said.
Until now, more than 47,000 spots breeding mosquitoes have been identified across the capital. However, the number of dengue cases reported this year are better than previous year.
In 2008, the count was 1,076, and current year’s count has come down to 464.
About dengue
A mosquito-borne seasonal virus, dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with any of four closely related dengue viruses (DENV 1-4).
This mosquito can be easily spotted because of its atypical white spotted body and legs.
Symptoms of dengue range from high fever, severe headache, and relentless pain in the joints, muscles and bones to rashes and mild bleeding from nose or gums.
A severe form of dengue infection, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), can be fatal if not detected.
As such, there are no specific antiviral medicines for treating the dengue fever, but it is very important to maintain hydration.
