Dengue Grips Delhi, Highest Number of Cases Recorded In Past 4 Years

New Delhi: More than 2,400 dengue cases have been registered in month of October, the highest in the past four years, according to official data.

This figure is more than double the number of cases recorded in September and the highest for any month this year so far, the data shows.

Spike In Cases of Malaria and Chikungunya

In October this year, the incidence of malaria and chikungunya, in addition to dengue, reached their highest levels in the past four years. 

Malaria cases surged significantly, with 279 reported in October, compared to just 37 in 2023, 75 in 2022, 47 in 2021, and 34 in 2020. 

Similarly, chikungunya cases also saw a sharp increase, totaling 96 in October, up from only 5 in October 2023. In 2022, there were 17 cases, 25 in 2021, and 17 in 2020.

Interestingly, no cases of mosquito-borne diseases were reported in Delhi during the week ending November 2, according to the data. The total number of dengue cases so far stands at 4,061, with three fatalities attributed to the disease.

What is Dengue? Its Causes and Impact 

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.

Most people who get dengue will not have symptoms. But for those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. Most will get better in 1–2 weeks. Some people develop severe dengue and need care in a hospital. In severe cases, dengue can be fatal.  

Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in 1–2 weeks. Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death.  

No Specific treatment for Dengue 

According to the World Health Organisation, there is no specific treatment for dengue. The focus is on treating pain symptoms. Most cases of dengue fever can be treated at home with pain medicine.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is often used to control pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are avoided as they can increase the risk of bleeding. For people with severe dengue, hospitalization is often needed.