By IANS,
New Delhi : Delhi has reported 450 cases of cholera this year, the civic authorities said Monday and aprehended that the situation may worsen in the wake of the recent floods in Yamuna.
“Cholera has been a constant problem in the city. We have so far reported over 450 cases,” said V.K. Monga, head of the health committee of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
“The recent Yamuna floods are a set back and we think the water contamination may increase and add to the cholera situation. Besides, it will be favourable for mosquito breeding,” Monga told IANS.
As the water in the Yamuna river has receded, people living along the river bank, especially the slum dwellers, need to be extra careful.
“They need to be careful about their water intake to prevent spread of cholera and other gastroenterological problems. The stagnant water would also assist in spread of dengue,” he added.
Monga said MCD has already launched a campaign to spread awareness about cholera across the city.
Speaking about the growing dengue menace, he said: “The numbers are really increasing. I think we have nearly 65 cases of dengue so far. Good monsoon, flood and the current humid atmosphere are providing fodder for the aedes aegypti mosquito (the carrier of dengue).”
What is alarming is that of the total number of dengue cases, nearly 50 have been detected in the last 10-12 days.
Caused by aedes aegypti mosquito bite, dengue is manifested by a sudden onset of fever, with severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and rashes.
Monga said MCD has launched a special fortnight-long cleanliness drive beginning Monday.
“We have been telling people again and again that only awareness drive by MCD or any government drive wont achieve success unless we have support from the people,” Monga added.