Dengue fever on the rise

There is a possibility of a dengue outbreak in Delhi and its surrounding areas, according to health authorities. There have been more than 35 reported cases of dengue in the capital in the past few months. The authorities are concerned about the rising number of Dengue cases and thus are channelling their energies to prevent any such eventuality. In Delhi alone, 13 cases have been reported from the Shahdara area and 9 from Rohini. Apart from Delhi, cases are also being reported from neighbouring states like Haryana, Rajasthan and UP. Dengue outbreaks tend to follow a cyclical pattern with the last major outbreak occurring in 1996 and this year is expected to be the next in the cycle. The disease is caused by a mosquito species that breeds in stagnated water. The symptoms of the disease include high fever, body ache, rash and weakness. The government has launched awareness programmes and surveillance drives to make people aware of the disease and the ways to prevent it. People who live in crowded conditions or near water logged area are most susceptible to contracting the disease. Maintenance of hygienic surroundings and not allowing water to collect are the preventive measures that people can take to avoid the infection. Personal protection against mosquito bites should be done by using mosquito repellents, netting and wearing clothes that cover the body while going out.

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