The Times of India  24.08.2010

NEW DELHI: With 34 new dengue cases reported in the capital on Monday, the total number has risen to 434. National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) teams have started inspection of 12 MCD zones for mosquito breeding.

"MCD, NDMC and other civic agencies have successfully controlled mosquito breeding. But there are some areas where we had to intensify the drive as high-density mosquito breeding was found there. Our aim is to ensure that there is no dengue scare during the Games, but people need to co-operate and check for breeding in their homes and localities," said a senior doctor with NVBDCP.

MCD started fogging in colonies where high-density breeding was reported. "It is difficult to keep breeding under check as it is raining in short intervals. Water gets collected and the area turns into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Our breeding checkers are able to visit a house once in 10-15 days and this gap is sufficient for breeding," said a MCD health official.

Despite the high incidence of dengue cases in the capital, mortality rate is low. Of the 434 cases reported so far, only one death has been reported. "Though the number of cases are more this year, no serious manifestation of the disease has been reported. We are yet to know which strain is prevalent this year. Government Laboratories are working on identifying it," said Dr AC Dhariwal, director, NVBDCP.