22 fresh cases of dengue in Delhi; total climbs to 438

With 22 more people testing positive for dengue today, the total number of those suffering from the vector-borne disease in the national capital this season climbed to 438.

Delhi has seen a spurt in the number of dengue cases with the last 10 days registering over 20 cases per day on an average. Two persons have died due to the disease so far.

"Twenty-two more patients have tested positive for dengue, taking the number of cases this season to 438," municipal health officer, MCD, NK Yadav told PTI.

Asked about a media report suggesting that the actual number of cases are far more if figures from private hospitals are taken into account, he said "We do not go to hospitals to record the numbers. They send us the reports. We follow a specific test criteria. Why should we hide the figures when it is less."

Last year, 1,070 dengue cases and two deaths were reported in the city.

Yadav said the number of cases could show a downward trend once winter sets in.

The first dengue death was reported in the city on October 23 when a 15-year-old boy succumbed to the disease at AIIMS. The second was that of a nine-year-old boy who breathed his last at the LNJP hospital last week.