Delhi’s Dengue cases drop to 5,700, but Malaria and Chikungunya surge by 99% from 2023
Delhi experiences a sharp increase in malaria and chikungunya cases, soaring by 99% this year. While dengue cases have decreased, the city's struggle with mosquito-borne illnesses continues, prompting urgent public health responses and increased funding for mosquito control measures.
Delhi has been grappling with a significant increase in mosquito-borne diseases, with cases of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya reaching alarming levels. As of November 30, the city had reported over 5,700 dengue cases and three related fatalities, according to data from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). In October alone, over 2,400 cases of dengue were reported, the highest in four years.
Although dengue cases have decreased from 2023's tally of 9,266, the city is now seeing a rise in other mosquito-borne diseases, with malaria and chikungunya reaching their highest levels in recent years.
Also Read | Dengue : symptoms, diet, steps to follow
Delhi Sees Surge in Malaria, Chikungunya Cases
Malaria and chikungunya cases have escalated sharply in 2024. Delhi recorded 766 cases of malaria by November 30, marking a dramatic 99 per cent increase from the 384 cases reported in the same period last year. This figure represents the highest malaria incidence in the capital in the last four years. Similarly, chikungunya cases surged to 266, up from just 44 in 2023, also the highest in at least the last five years.
The most significant spike in these diseases occurred between September and October, coinciding with shifting weather patterns in Delhi.
Also Read | Top 8 foods to boost recovery from dengue fever
Delhi Weather Conditions Contributing to Disease Spread
This year, Delhi's delayed monsoon has been a key factor in the late rise of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes typically breed during the monsoon season, from June to September, but the delayed rains meant an increased number of breeding grounds. The subsequent early arrival of winter has helped in reducing the number of cases.
In contrast to last year, when the peak in mosquito-borne diseases occurred between August and November, this year's surge happened later in the season, which has affected the overall spread of these diseases.
Japanese Encephalitis Case Triggers Increased Measures
Apart from dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, the Delhi Municipal Corporation has also been tackling the threat of Japanese encephalitis, another mosquito-borne virus.
A case of Japanese encephalitis was reported earlier this month, prompting the civic body to ramp up its anti-mosquito operations.
Senior MCD officials noted that the number of dengue cases is expected to continue decreasing as the temperature drops further, with the minimum temperature already having fallen to 10-12°C.
Malaria Symptoms
Malaria symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can include:
Fever: A characteristic symptom that can develop 8–30 days after infection
Chills: Can occur cyclically with the parasite's life cycle
Headache: Can occur with fever
Muscle aches: Can occur with fever
Tiredness: Can occur with fever
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea: Can occur with fever
Anemia: Low red blood cells
Jaundice: Yellow coloring of the skin and eyes
Kidney failure: Can occur with malaria
Seizures: Can occur with malaria
Mental confusion: Can occur with malaria
Coma: Can occur with malaria
Death: Can occur with malaria
Other symptoms include:
Difficulty breathing, bleeding, extreme fatigue, convulsions, sore throat, cough, and loss of appetite.
Malaria can be cured in two weeks if diagnosed and treated early. Without treatment, symptoms can recur periodically
Chikungunya symptoms
Fever: A sudden, high fever is a common symptom that usually starts 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito
Joint pain: Severe joint pain is the most common symptom of chikungunya and can be debilitating
Other symptoms: Headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, rash, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Most people recover fully from chikungunya, but some may experience long-term joint pain. In some cases, the joint pain can last for months or even years.
Key Takeaways
- Dengue cases in Delhi have decreased, but malaria and chikungunya cases surged dramatically.
- Weather patterns, particularly delayed monsoon rains, have significantly impacted the breeding of mosquitoes.
- Increased funding for mosquito control efforts indicates a proactive approach to public health in response to rising disease rates.
Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
Business NewsScienceHealthDelhi’s Dengue cases drop to 5,700, but Malaria and Chikungunya surge by 99% from 2023
First Published:6 Dec 2024, 09:59 AM IST
- Top Gainers
- Top Losers
- 52 Week High