96 chikungunya cases reported so far this year while the last year's figure was zero; Also, 40 cases of dengue have been reported as against last year's 13 cases
This year, so far, as many as 96 chikungunya cases have already been reported in the city while the last year's figure for the same duration was zero. Also, 40 cases of dengue have been reported. The number of dengue cases reported by May 28, 2016, was only 13.
These dismal figures are for the months of summer, while monsoon, the main season for vector-borne diseases, is still a few weeks away.
"We have already started to see cases of dengue and chikungunya this season. This is alarming, as last year this started way later and still turned into an epidemic," Dr S P Byotra, Director, Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said.
"The parasite reaches the glands in 4-7 days, which leads to fever and joint pain. Last year, we saw some new problems. Chikungunya was affecting heart, kidney, and even the brain. We hope people are more aware this time," he added.
Both diseases leave patients with very low energy and water content. There is no permanent cure for the diseases and it is advised to take good rest and avoid dehydration. The platelet count goes very low, and so, in some cases, blood or platelet transfusion is required.
"We have enough stock for IV fluids and other drugs for the fevers. The back-up for 3-4 months is already taken care of," Dr Randeep Guleria, Medical Director, AIIMS, said. "In the case of an outbreak, we have provisions to convert a ward to an emergency area and add 50 extra beds," he added.
Meanwhile, the municipal corporations have started their awareness campaigns but have failed to keep a check on the breeding grounds, including water coolers, tyres, logged water and blocked drains. In a recent report by the civic agencies, as many as 17,314 houses were found to have Aedes mosquitoes.
While the Delhi Chief Minister (CM) and other civic agencies are conducting meetings to prevent the outbreak this year, some believe it is too late as the civic agencies should have done that in the non-breeding months.
HC questions civic bodies
On the occasion of National Dengue Day on May 16, 2017, AIIMS organised an awareness program and confirmed their preparations for the upcoming 'fever' months. A High Court Bench consisting of Justices Gita Mittal and Hari Shankar then questioned the municipal department why they were waiting to start their awareness programme. Year 2016 saw the worst outbreak of chikungunya in the last decade. A total of 9,742 cases of chikungunya and over 15,000 cases of dengue were reported till December, 2016.
...& ANALYSIS
- After the High Court pulled up Delhi government to spread more awareness, it has carrying out such programmes for residents. But health experts feel its too late
- The municipal corporations have also failed to keep a tab on breeding spots, which is leading to spread of disease
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