Indian capital witnesses spike in dengue cases, tally crosses 1,000 so far this year

NEW DELHI: India’s capital New Delhi has witnessed a sharp increase in the number of dengue infections with 283 cases reported over the past week, according to data released by the city’s civic body on Monday.

The new cases have pushed the total tally beyond 1,000 since the beginning of this year.

According to the report released by South Delhi Municipal Corporation to local media, the city has so far recorded a total of 1,006 dengue cases this year.

“One death due to dengue and a total of 1,006 dengue cases have been recorded this season till October 23, which is the highest case count since 2018 for the same period,” the report said.

The report said that of the confirmed dengue cases this year, 665 were reported in October alone.

Experts said the city historically sees a peak in dengue infections in October.

According to the report, 346 dengue cases were reported in October last year, while 787 cases were reported in October 2019 and 1,114 cases were recorded in October 2018.

Reports quoting official figures said the highest number of dengue deaths in New Delhi in a single year was reported in 2015 when a deadly outbreak claimed at least 60 lives.

Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, causes fever, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and internal bleeding or a fatal drop in blood pressure in severe cases.