400 dengue cases reported in single day in the capital,two confirmed deaths this month

The number of dengue cases continued to rise with 912 testing positive for dengue since January 1 this year. Of these,888 are from Delhi. Twenty-four patients from neighbouring states sought treatment for the viral disease in hospitals in the capital.

“As cases get confirmed,we are adding them to the tally. This does not mean all the 400 new cases were reported over a single day. But we have asked hospitals to improve their surveillance and report cases on a daily basis,so that there is no dilution of data,” a municipal health officer said.

This,authorities say,will help them ensure adequate supply of blood platelets and monitor availability of beds for dengue patients. This year,many hospitals have reported a shortage of beds despite adding dedicate fever wards for suspected dengue cases.

Phool Singh (47),a resident of Ashok Nagar in North Delhi,who died on September 5,and Priyanka (21),a resident of Pratap Nagar in Saboli in Northeast Delhi,who succumbed to the viral disease on September 9,have been declared the first official victims of dengue this season. Both victims tested positive for the dengue virus.

The North Municipal Corporation — with 477 cases and two confirmed deaths — has seen the highest number of cases this year.