Delhi witnessed the highest number of dengue cases in October this year, with over 2,400 cases, making it the highest number for any month in the past four years. This sharp increase in cases, more than double of September's numbers, is putting a severe tension on our healthcare system. People are urging healthcare authorities to take some immediate action to prevent further spread.

Rise in Malaria and Chikungunya cases

The hike wasn't limited to dengue. Malaria cases also witnessed a sudden increase, with 279 cases in October this year, compared to just 37 in October 2023, and even fewer in previous years (75 in 2022, 47 in 2021, and 34 in 2020). Chikungunya cases also went up, with 96 cases in October, while there were only 5 last year. In past years, there were 17 cases in 2022, 25 in 2021, and 17 in 2020. However, no new cases of mosquito-borne diseases were recorded in the week ending November 2, giving health officials a relief.

Although October saw a peak in cases, recent data shows that no new mosquito-borne disease cases were reported in the week ending November 2, offering temporary relief to health officials.

According to the data, Najafgarh zone recorded the highest dengue cases with 613 marked incidents, while the City SP zone had the highest malaria cases at 95. The Shahdara North zone had the highest number of chikungunya cases, with 75 recorded. Health officials are closely watching the situation there and are urging residents to stay alert and take steps to prevent mosquito breeding around their homes.

Till date, Delhi has witnessed 4,061 dengue cases and three deaths due to the disease. By the end of October this year, the city had reported a total of 6,003 dengue cases, out of an overall 9,266 cases for the entire year.