A continuous increase is being seen in Delhi-NCR since the monsoon season. mosquito borne diseasesDengue, Malaria, Chikungunya and now Japanese Encephalitis Residents are falling ill. According to recent data, more than 4,000 cases have been reported in Delhi by 2024, including hotspot areas like Najafgarh and South Delhi. Last year, 9,266 dengue cases were reported in Delhi and 19 deaths, making it a little less severe this year but still worrying.

Delhi recorded a five-year high in malaria and chikungunya cases this year. As of November 9, 728 cases of malaria and 172 cases of chikungunya have been reported in the national capital. The Delhi Municipal Corporation’s weekly report on mosquito-borne diseases said nine infections were recorded in the week till November 9, 2024. In 2020, the city recorded 228 cases of malaria, 167 cases in 2021, 263 cases and 426 cases in 2022. Last year’s cases Meanwhile, 111 cases of chikungunya were reported in 2020, 89 cases in 2022, 48 cases in 2022 and 65 cases last year.

Shahdara South Zone recorded the highest number of 87 cases of Chikungunya, while City SP Zone recorded the highest number of 104 cases of Malaria.

Recently, an isolated case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) has been reported in Delhi, where a 72-year-old man from West Delhi was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after experiencing severe chest pain. He was diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis following a blood test conducted on 6 November. Officials have assured the public that all necessary public health measures have been taken as per National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) guidelines.

According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, 1,548 cases of Japanese encephalitis have been reported in 24 states and union territories in 2024, including 925 cases in Assam. JE remains a significant health concern, especially in rural parts of Asia during the monsoon season.

But why are mosquito borne diseases increasing in Delhi-NCR? What preventive measures should one take to keep oneself safe? What are the symptoms that one needs to pay attention to?

Although most of the symptoms of these mosquito-borne diseases are similar, here’s how to differentiate:

Fever, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, skin rash,

Mild bleeding, low platelet count and dengue shock syndrome. In severe cases, dengue fever can turn into dengue shock syndrome, in which there is a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to shock and organ failure. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

symptoms of malaria

Malaria is one of the most well-known mosquito-borne diseases. It is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and is spread by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache and muscle aches, and if left untreated it can lead to serious complications and even death.

chikungunya symptoms

Chikungunya is also spread by the Aedes mosquito and its symptoms are often similar to dengue. These include sudden fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. While chikungunya is rarely fatal, joint pain can be severe and debilitating, lasting for months or even years. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, especially during the rainy season.

The virus primarily affects the brain, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include: high fever, headache, vomiting, and neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and paralysis. While many infected people show no symptoms, severe cases can lead to long-term brain damage, neurological disability, or even death.

Why are mosquito borne diseases increasing in Delhi?

According to research, the major factors for this increase include favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes due to stagnant water and open water storage in construction areas. Climate changes, such as irregular rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, further extend the mosquito breeding season. Gaps in preventive measures such as fumigation and community involvement in destroying breeding sites make the situation worse.

Despite intensive efforts by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), including fogging, inspections and increasing fines for mosquito breeding, cases are still on the rise. The MCD has issued over 1.14 lakh legal notices and imposed substantial fines to control breeding.

When should you see a doctor?

Dr Deeksha Goyal, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram, said, “You should see a doctor if your symptoms persist or get worse over time. These include high fever, extreme pain, difficulty breathing, “Including chest pain.” People with chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure need to see a doctor periodically if there are signs pointing to a stroke, heart attack, or sudden change in vision, or unexplained loss of weight.

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