Delhi:
With over 1000 cases of dengue reported so far, there are growing concerns over the spread of dengue in Delhi. Rising to the occasion, the Government has decided to begin an aggressive prevention drive across the capital. Resident welfare associations are asked to render help curb the Dengue menace. However, the question is with Commonwealth Games just around the corner, are these measures too little too late?
Like the rains, this year dengue too arrived earlier than usual. Despite the commonwealth games ahead, the Government was caught unprepared. No fogging and no notices to construction companies to keep the venues safe.
A total of about 1,014 dengue cases have been reported and the worst is yet to come since the disease peaks in September and October. The numbers are already hinting towards a possible epidemic outbreak in the coming months.
"Every 4 years there is a change in the virus that leads to a larger number of cases occurring. The cycle followed by early and large amount of rain causing lot of stagnation is leading to extensive mosquito breeding which contributed to an increase in the number of dengue cases early this year. We are going to see many more cases, that is an area of concern," says Dr Randeep Guleria, department of medicine, AIIMS.
Faced with international advisories against travelling to India for the Games, The Union Health Ministry is now on a damage control mode.
In an all department meet, Union Health Minister Gulam Nabi Azad said, "Cleanliness drives will be carried out in various parts of the city by various agencies, 33 hospitals have been identified for dengue treatment and testing kits will be given to all hospitals."
While these measures have been taken up late, but the Government hopes that these measures will at least help keep the number of cases in check.