Delhi grapples with dengue outbreak, 9 dead, more than 1,800 affected

More than 1,800 cases of dengue have been reported in Delhi till September 12 even as the government attempts to contain the outbreak. Official data showed that more than 600 cases were reported in the last week alone. With 776 cases, North Municipal Corporation reported the highest number cases in the capital, followed by the South corporation with 499 cases. Over 150 cases have been reported in areas under the East corporation.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday called an emergency meeting of MLAs who are chairpersons of ‘rogi kalyan samitis’ and directed them to visit hospitals twice a day to meet patients “till the panic of dengue is done away with”.

“When you visit hospitals, talk to the patients. See that there is no panic. Ensure that there is enough stock of medicines, the hospital is clean and no one is turned away. See that there are ample testing kits available. In case of any shortage, please tell us,” Kejriwal told the MLAs. ‘

Health minister Satyendra Jain also launched a 24/7 helpline number, 23307145.

Jain said this will provide all relevant information about dengue and its treatment. Jain also said there is an “urgent need” to dispel the notion of panic. “This panic in people about the spread of dengue is leading to a huge burden on hospitals,” he said. He directed the three commissioners to ensure MCD workers go house-to-house to ensure that all sources of stagnant water are treated.

Expressing displeasure with the slow pace of fumigation, Jain said “government is receiving complaints about lack of
fumigation and this lapse will not be tolerated any further. The Commissioners should take strict action against those responsible for this lapse.”

(With PTI inputs)