New Delhi: Delhi has recorded a sharp rise in dengue and malaria cases this month, with the number of infections nearly tripling since August, according to the latest data from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The city has reported 597 dengue cases and 214 malaria cases so far this year, including 286 dengue and 124 malaria cases in September, the MCD’s weekly vector-borne disease report showed.
The latest figures mark a steep rise from the numbers recorded till the end of August, with September accounting for a substantial share of the year’s cases. In the week ending September 26 alone, Delhi reported 85 new dengue and 29 malaria cases.
The surge comes during the post-monsoon period, when stagnant water and increased mosquito breeding can contribute to the spread of vector-borne diseases. The MCD has been carrying out inspections and taking measures to check mosquito breeding in the city.
Health experts have advised parents to be particularly watchful as dengue and malaria symptoms can initially resemble those of a routine viral infection.
“With dengue and malaria cases rising across Delhi-NCR, parents should be particularly cautious when children develop fever. These infections can initially look like a routine viral illness, so it is important not to self-diagnose,” Dr Navin Bhatia, Consultant and HOD Paediatrics and PICU, PB Health, Gurugram.
He further added that patients should watch for symptoms such as persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, unusual sleepiness or restlessness, breathing difficulty, poor fluid intake, bleeding or reduced urine output, and seek medical attention promptly if they occur.
“A fall in fever does not always mean the child is recovering, particularly in dengue, where the period after the fever settles can be critical. Good hydration, medical monitoring and timely evaluation are important. Parents should also avoid giving medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen unless advised by a doctor, and take steps to prevent mosquito breeding around the home,” Bhatia said, adding that it is important to keep homes and surrounding areas free of stagnant water, which can serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes.
No dengue or malaria-related death has been reported in Delhi this year, according to the MCD data.
According to the report, to curb vector breeding, the civic body reported over 3.03 crore house visits for checking domestic breeding till September 26, detecting mosquito larvae in over 1.76 lakh houses.
MCD has issued 1,25,708 legal notices for mosquitogenic conditions, launched 17,599 prosecutions, and collected Rs 25.98 lakh in fines through 11,803 penalty actions this year.
