NEW DELHI: Delhi-NCR is grappling with a severe public health crisis as dengue cases witness a concerning upsurge. While this vector-borne disease often doesn’t receive the attention it warrants, the current spike demands immediate attention from authorities.
The New Indian recently interviewed three medical experts who have closely observed the rising case s and discussed the unique aspects of the current situation.
Dr. Sushila Kataria, Senior Director and Head of Internal Medicine at Medanta Medicity, emphasised the under-reporting of dengue cases. She stated, “This year the official cases reported for dengue in Delhi is about 4,000 and in Haryana is about 5,000 but this is gross under-reporting. One WHO study has said that in India there is about 1/300 under-reporting of dengue cases.”
This year’s cases are also notably more severe than in previous years, posing a grave concern. Dr. Piyush Ranjan, Senior Consultant and Vice Chairman of the Department of Gastroenterology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, explained, “This year, dengue cases in Delhi have been more severe. The strain involved is type 2. This is related to more severe infection and multi-organ dysfunction.”
Dr. Kataria echoed these concerns, noting that the cases have displayed a higher incidence of liver and kidney involvement, with many patients experiencing multi-organ dysfunction.
Adding to the alarm is the observation that younger patients are increasingly affected. Dr. Kataria highlighted, “These patients are typically children, teenagers, and younger adults, many of whom suffer from dengue shock syndrome and dengue haemorrhagic fever. Additionally, we are seeing patients with significant liver and kidney damage, along with low blood pressure.”
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Meena, Senior Consultant Physician at Moolchand Hospital, pointed out that dengue cases started early this year, with a higher occurrence of dengue hepatitis and a greater need for hospitalisation.
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Dr. Piyush Ranjan stressed that dengue lacks a specific treatment, and supportive and symptomatic care remains the primary option. He emphasised the significance of prevention as a key strategy.
According to data from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), as of October 21, reported dengue cases have surged to 4,965. This figure not only surpasses the previous year’s data but is also the highest in the last five years.
The National Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) reported over 5,000 dengue cases in Delhi as of mid-September this year, with a peak during September, recording 2,141 cases.
The health authorities must address this situation urgently. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It can manifest with various symptoms, ranging from mild flu-like conditions to severe and life-threatening cases.
