Over 35,000 dengue cases reported this year, 216 dead

Maharashtra followed closely with 59 deaths, Karnataka (21), Punjab (15) and Kerala (13), Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Abu Hasem Khan Choudhary said in a written reply.

Among the metros Kolkata accounted for the highest number of nine deaths, followed by Delhi and Bangalore (four each) and Mumbai (three), he said, adding a mid-term plan is being implemented across the country for prevention and control of the disease.

Asked whether the disease was spreading every year, Khan said, "No. Dengue is an outbreak-prone disease governed by various man-made and environmental factors which are responsible for increase and geographical spread of dengue cases."

National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NCBDCP) is the main programme in the country for prevention and control of vector borne diseases including dengue, he said.

On strategy to diagnose dengue in its primary stage, he said, "Government has established sentinel surveillance centres at 347 hospitals with laboratory support and linked these with 14 Apex Referral Laboratories with advanced diagnostic facilities for back up support."