Rise in dengue cases in NDMC areas in September

At least 27 cases of dengue have been reported in the areas under the jurisdiction of New Delhi Municipal Council, officials said.
The number of cases surged this month, specifically after September 7, said RN Singh, NDMC's Chief Medical Officer.
"Cases of dengue spike during this month and there is an increase in mosquito population as the temperature is very conducive for them to breed," Singh said.
According to NDMC officials, 3,400 legal notices have been sent so far in connection with breeding found in their areas. 240 people have been prosecuted till now in this regard.
Increased number of cases were reported from Baba Kharak Singh Marg because of the undergoing construction in the area, Singh said, adding that following which the breeding points have been located and destroyed.

When asked about the lack of proper drainage system in the 42 unauthorised colonies which leads to accumulation of water -- a breeding ground for mosquitoes, he said, "There are not many unauthorised colonies under the NDMC jurisdiction and precautions such as anti-larval routines, fumigation etc have been taken in most of them."

The NDMC hospitals such as AIIMS, Lady Harding and Safdarjung have been alerted to be prepared and have a dedicated staff in case of an outbreak, Singh said.
He also said it is due to the advanced diagnostic facilities employed by the hospitals which led to the detection of more cases being reported this year as compared to the last year.

Singh also advised the general public to take precautionary steps at their own level.
He asked people to make sure there is no accumulation of water in places such as flower pots, terraces, coolers, overhead tents which serve as breeding points for the mosquitoes.