The Capital’s tryst with dengue

This season’s outbreak witnessed an increased surge in cases since 2015. While the official death toll stands at 15, the figures may rise as many cases are under investigation, says official

As cases of dengue in the Capital witness a dip in numbers with temperatures dropping, this season’s caseload and death toll (till December 11) — which stands at 9,260 and 15 respectively — remains the highest since 2015 when the city recorded 15,867 cases and 60 deaths.

While the official death toll for the current season stands at 15, a senior official at the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), which is also the nodal agency for data collection, confirmed, “There are more deaths due to dengue, and they are yet to be declared because these cases are under investigation.”

On November 7, The Hindu reported that three dengue deaths — according to the documents accessed — at the Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital were not reported by the civic authorities. Previously, a senior official at the hospital had confirmed that “at least one death of a Delhi resident” due to the vector-borne disease was recorded at the hospital. According to a civic report, as of December 11, none of the 15 victims was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.