29 new dengue cases in Delhi, total 6,035

NEW DELHI - A total of 29 new cases of dengue were reported in the capital Thursday, taking the total number of cases this season to 6,035, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi said.

Shahdara (north) zone in east Delhi was the worst affected with 844 cases so far, while Rohini zone was the second worst-hit with 769 cases of the vector-borne disease.

However, civic officials expressed hope the incidence of the vector-borne disease was declining.

“These are the last few days of the dengue fever. The fever has subsided with post-Diwali rise in temperature,” said V.K. Monga, chairman of the MCD’s health committee.

The capital has been grappling with diseases such as dengue and chikungunya this year. A total of 60 cases of chikungunya, also a a vector-borne disease and causing fever and severe joint pain, have been reported in Delhi so far.

“The disease shares symptoms with dengue, but it is advisable to visit the doctor if high fever remains till the second day, said Rommel Tickoo, senior physician at Max Hospital.

“Both dengue and chikungunya cause a dip in platelet count,” he added.