Spike in chikungunya cases: LG Najeeb Jung orders to clear garbage dumps twice a day

According to MCD data, the capital saw a 40 per cent rise in the number of chikungunya cases reported compared to last week — 1,070 fresh cases of the mosquito-borne infection were added last week — taking the total figure to 3,695 cases till September 24. In the preceding week, 1,568 cases had been reported. While 4,949 cases of chikungunya have been reported, 3,695 have been confirmed as chikungunya.

On dengue, the MCD data showed a total of 1,692 reported cases. Of these, 921 were reported in September. According to the official figures, the number of dengue deaths remains at four.

Meanwhile, Jung has asked MCD commissioners to take stringent action against private concessionaires who do not clean the dhalaos (garbage collection points). “In case of poor performance take suitable legal action against the concessionaires,” said a statement issued by the LG secretariat. The commissioners were told to ensure that all dhalaos are covered, apart from intensifying fogging. Jung directed deputy commissioners (revenue) to prepare a daily roster of inspections by officials.

The officials were asked to regularly visit hospitals and ensure poor patients get their share of beds. “Health department was asked to ensure… better standards of cleanliness are maintained and patients are made to feel comfortable,” added the LG office.