Alarming rise in dengue cases in capital

09 November, 2012

Dengue is spreading at a faster pace in the capital with 39 new cases testing positive for the disease, taking the total count to 1200 in the national capital. Not only the government, but the people are also to be blamed for the menace, as they have failed to keep their surroundings clean..

THE SOUTH Delhi Municipal Corporation has reported the highest number of dengue cases, i.e. 457 cases, whereas about 400 cases were reported in the North Delhi Municipal Corporation and 299 cases are from East Delhi Municipal Corporation. The remaining cases are from Delhi Cantonment area and NDMC.

This number is still going to increase as the government is not taking any appropriate action over this dengue menace. This mosquito-borne diseases was assumed as an epidemic in 2006 when 56 deaths were reported due to this disease. In 2010, there were 5,682 positive cases of dengue and eight deaths were reported; it coincided with the Commonwealth Games 2010 also. Now it is back again.

The doctors are ensuring that this time the viral strains are less virulent, but still the number of cases is increasing and there are no specific vaccines to prevent dengue. So, there is a need of a good public health care, and not only the big hospitals but even the peripheral government hospitals should be able to handle the cases of dengue. But the problem is that the state government is partially funding the disease control programs.

The medical infrastructure alone cannot fight this big menace. Half of the problem can be resolved just by keeping your surroundings clean and tidy, with which the mosquito breeding will be reduced. The municipal corporation should take care of this; it should employ more and more domestic breeding checkers. But the budget allotted to this sector is very low, and is just able to cover the wages of permanent employees, and the funds don't reach the municipal bodies and the employees go on strike at a time when they are needed the most.

Finally the public also should contribute from their side. They should keep their surroundings clean and hygienic. The desert coolers, overhead tanks and the flower pots are to be cleaned and checked properly for any stagnation of water.