Delhi: second child succumbs to dengue in seven days

A five-year-old child, Aman, died in the Srinivaspuri area of South Delhi, after succumbing to dengue, making him the second victim this week of the vector-borne disease.

Earlier this month, seven-year-old Avinash, who was denied admission to four hospitals before finally being taken in at Batra Hospital, passed away from dengue on September 8. Traumatized by the apathy shown towards him, his parents committed suicide that same night.

The national capital has reported 1,714 confirmed dengue cases this season having crossed the 2010 dengue breakout, which stood at 1,695.

In wake of the rising cases of dengue in the national capital, the Delhi Government on Monday cancelled leaves of all doctors and para-medical staff.

Earlier, the government had launched helpline number 011-23307145 to assist the dengue patients here.

The Central Government has also asked the Delhi Government to increase the bed strength in the hospitals and to initiate action against the private hospitals, which are over charging the patients.