Azad meets Delhi Health Minister, reviews rise in dengue cases

NEW DELHI - Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad held a meeting with Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia on Friday to review the situation arising out of rise in dengue cases, which has become a concern for the Government prior to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

“Azad emphasised the need for a coordinated effort to tackle the outbreak,” said Walia after the meeting.

There have been 1,081 dengue cases so far.

On August 23, Azad said large-scale construction for the upcoming Commonwealth Games was responsible the huge number of dengue cases in the national capital.

“Mosquitoes breeding at construction sites is one of the reasons behind the menace. The presence of dengue and water is strongly related,” said Azad, while asking the people to remain alert and take preventive measures.

“Delhi is dug up because of the Games, and it is also raining very heavily in the city after a long time. Since water remains accumulated in many places, it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” he added.

Health officials have said that the number of dengue cases this year is highest in the last six years.

The Delhi Government has also swung into action to contain the rise in dengue cases by issuing a host of advisories and announcing several services, while urging Delhiites not to panic.

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with any one of the four-dengue viruses.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3, is India’s biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.

India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states. (ANI)