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This year, between February and July 40 dengue cases were recorded in Delhi. As this is not considered as the peak season for the disease to record so many cases, the fear of Dengue outbreak this year is spreading in Delhi. Following a cylindrical trend, Dengue surges in number every three to five years. As per the record, Dengue outbreaks were reported in 2006 and 2010.

Sir Ganga Ram hospital, senior consultant (internal medicine), Dr Atul Gogia said "This year, we are seeing an unusually high number of dengue patients over the last few weeks. In July, we treated six patients and two others are still admitted in the casualty.”

Dr Romel Tickoo, senior consultant, internal medicine said, "Early rains have led to high incidence of dengue in July. We cannot comment on the strain of the virus causing the disease, but there are fears of increased number of cases due to heavy rains and stagnation of water.”

Dengue - rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by four serotypes. Type I and III causes classic dengue fever and fever without shock, respectively. Dengue type II and IV are considered deadly as they cause fever, bleeding and a drop in platelet count. With frequent outbreaks, Delhi has become hyperendemic for dengue, says researchers. There is no vaccine available for dengue fever. Thus, prevention and control are crucial and are possible with effective vector control measures.

According to experts, the main cause behind the high incidents of dengue in Delhi and other states is man-made and environmental factors. Amongst other factors are unplanned and rapid urbanization, exceptional growth in population and not enough waste management.

-Sumana