Dengue, Chikungunya Cases Surge in Delhi: Here's How To Prevent Getting Infected

As the Delhi weather transits from monsoon to autumn, there has been a rise in dengue, swine flu and chikungunya cases. According to Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the city reported a total of 401 new infections between September 22 and 28. Moreover, 1,052 dengue cases were also reported until September 28.South Delhi zone reported the highest number of cases followed by Najafgarh zone.

Dr Sharang Sachdeva, Senior Consultant, and Head of Emergency at Aakash Healthcare told IANS "Dengue and swine flu cases have been steadily rising over the past few weeks. We are witnessing around 100 patients daily presenting with symptoms such as fever, body aches, and fatigue." He further said that out of these, 20-25 per cent are diagnosed with dengue, while 10-15 per cent are diagnosed with swine flu, indicating a concerning overlap of multiple infections during this period. His stance was reiterated by Dr Harshal R Salve, Additional Professor, Centre For Community Medicine at AIIMS, saying the season was favourable for the breeding of mosquitos.

Preventing vector-borne diseases requires a multi-faceted approach, with both individual precautions and public health initiatives playing a critical role. Here are key prevention measures:

- Remove stagnant water from containers, plant pots, and garbage to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitos, particularly the yellow fever carrying Aedes species breed in standing water.

- Apply insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

-Install fine mesh screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitos from entering your house.

- Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure to mosquito bites.

- Use mosquito nets in sleeping areas, particularly in regions with high Dengue and Chikungunya cases.

- Governments and health organizations should focus on educating the public about the importance of mosquito control and personal protective measures.

Earlier this week, cities like Lucknow and Pune also reported a sharp spike in cases of dengue and chikungunya. Overwhelmed hospitals and a shortage of medical staff have led to critical disruptions, including the cancellation of essential health camps. As hospitals struggle to accommodate the growing number of patients, the situation has reached a crisis point, demanding urgent action and public awareness. As authorities set up health camps, it is pivotal to be vigilant and prevent getting infected with these diseases.