Dengue cases in Delhi have fallen to 5,700, but malaria and chikungunya cases have risen 99% in 2023 | Mint

Delhi is experiencing a significant increase in mosquito-borne diseases, with cases of dengue, malaria and chikungunya reaching alarming levels. According to data from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the city had reported over 5,700 cases of dengue and three related fatalities as of November 30. . than 2,400 cases of dengue were reported in October alone, the highest number in four years.

While dengue cases have declined from 2023's 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.

Delhi sees rise in cases of malaria and Chikungunya

Malaria and chikungunya cases have escalated sharply in 2024. Delhi recorded 766 cases of malaria on November 30, a dramatic 99 percent increase from the 384 cases reported during the same period last year. This figure represents the highest malaria incidence in the capital in the past four years. Similarly, the number of chikungunya cases rose to 266, up from just 44 in 2023, also the highest in at least the past five years.

The main peak in these diseases occurred between September and October, coinciding with changing weather patterns in Delhi.

Weather conditions in Delhi that contribute to the spread of diseases

This year, Delhi's delayed monsoon has been a key factor in the late emergence of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes typically breed during the monsoon season, from June to September, but the delayed rain increased the number of breeding sites. The subsequent early arrival of winter has helped reduce the number of cases.

Unlike last year, when the peak in mosquito-borne diseases occurred between August and November, this year's peak occurred later in the season, which has affected the overall spread of these diseases.

Case of Japanese encephalitis leads to increased measures

Besides dengue, malaria and chikungunya, the Delhi Municipal Corporation has also tackled the menace of Japanese encephalitis, another mosquito-borne virus.

Earlier this month, a case of Japanese encephalitis was reported, prompting the civic body to step up its anti-mosquito operations.

Senior MCD officials noted that dengue cases are expected to continue to decline as temperatures continue to decline, with the minimum temperature already dropping to 10-12°C.

Malaria symptoms

Symptoms of malaria can range from mild to severe, and may include:

Fever: A characteristic symptom that can develop 8 to 30 days after infection

Chills: May occur cyclically during the life cycle of the parasite

Headache: May occur with fever

Muscle pain: May occur with fever

Fatigue: May occur with fever

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea: may occur with fever

Anemia: low red blood cell count

Jaundice: yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes

Kidney failure: Can occur with malaria

Attacks: Can occur with malaria

Mental confusion: may occur with malaria

Coma: Can occur with malaria

Death: Can occur with malaria

Difficulty breathing, bleeding, extreme fatigue, convulsions, sore throat, coughing and loss of appetite.

Malaria can be cured within two weeks if diagnosed and treated early. Without treatment, symptoms may return periodically

Chikungunya symptoms

Fever: A sudden high fever is a common symptom that usually begins 3 to 7 days after the bite of an infected mosquito

Joint Pain: Severe joint pain is the most common symptom of chikungunya and can be disabling

Other symptoms: headache, muscle pain, swelling of the joints, rash, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

Most people recover completely from chikungunya, but some may experience long-term joint pain. In some cases, joint pain can last for months or even years.