90 cases of dengue in city this year till now, 62 in July

Last year, only six cases were reported in June, while July registered 36. The city saw a staggering 15,867 dengue cases in 2015, the worst in 20 years with the disease claiming 60 lives, as per municipal reports. This year, dengue cases have been reported rather early and relatively in larger numbers.

In a report compiled by South Corporation on behalf of all three Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCDs), one case each in Sadar Pahar Ganj Zone and Karol Bagh Zone, the area falling under North Corporation has been reported. 

While Najafgarh Zone of South Corporation has recorded five cases, two were posted from West Zone and two from Central Zone respectively. 

The East Corporation also reported two cases of dengue. South Corporation has reported 10 cases overall while North and East Corporation have posted two each. Of the total number of cases this year, as many as 24 were reported from areas outside the jurisdiction of the three MCDs while 52 cases were reported from Uttar Pradesh, and it’s adjoining areas.

As part of its preventive measure against the deadly disease, North Corporation had last month launched a drive and sought to popularise the use of a specially-made cooler and the plant agave americana. 

Also, the Union Health Ministry last month had decided that dengue patients hailing from towns in the National Capital Region seeking treatment in Delhi hospitals will be registered separately this year so that they are not clubbed with local patients.

In 1996, a severe outbreak of dengue had occurred in Delhi wherein about 10,252 cases and 423 deaths were reported. 

In 2010, besides over 6,200 cases, only eight deaths were officially reported. The Commonwealth Games were held that year and massive construction works in the city was the major reason behind the spread of the disease.