The Hindu 15.12.2010
Eight new cases of dengue in Capital
New Delhi: Eight fresh cases of dengue have been reported in the Capital since December 1 despite the onset of winter, leaving medical experts and health officials worried as mosquito breeding normally subsides by mid-November.
According to Municipal Corporation of Delhi Health Department, Safdurjung, Ram Manohar Lohia and some other hospitals reported new cases of dengue raising the number of such infected people to 6,229 this year out of which eight persons died.
Dr. V.K. Monga, MCD Health Committee Chairman said there were hardly any cases from mid-November last year during the winter spell. “But this time even in December hospitals are reporting dengue cases,” he said.
“Our domestic breeding checkers are finding mosquito breeding in overhead tanks and coolers even at this time of the season. It is a myth that mosquitoes die during winters,” he said.
A mosquito lays eggs, 200-250 at one go and three to four times in its lifetime of 27 days. These eggs survive for the whole year.
“It is surprising that we are getting dengue cases now too. Though it is not as high as is reported during the peak season, then it clearly indicates that mosquito breeding is also happening in winters,” said Dr. R.P. Singh, a physician with Rockland Hospital.
The eggs laid by the mosquito do not die but survive through the winter and when the temperature is conducive they grow into adult mosquitoes, he said.
Dr. Monga said, “People should clean their coolers properly. The walls should be mopped well as the eggs stick to the wall of the cooler. Just by clearing the water out of the cooler mosquito breeding is not put to an end.” - PTI
