Delhi sees rise in dengue, malaria, chikungunya cases after floods; Govt advises chemists to avoid sale of Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Diclofenac medicines

Delhi has witnessed an uptick in the number of vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya in the days after severe floods swept across the capital. However, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi said on Friday that the civic body is all prepared to combat any threat of a "significant rise" in the number of cases of vector-borne diseases in the wake of recent flooding due to Yamuna waters.  

Over 160 dengue cases have been reported in the national capital till mid-July this year, the highest for this period since 2018, according to a municipal report released this week.

The report issued by the MCD also said that 54 cases of malaria have been recorded in the same period.

Delhi government advises chemists to avoid the sale of Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Diclofenac group of medicines without prescription, amid the rise in vector-borne diseases in monsoon season. pic.twitter.com/rRimqdh8Si

— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2023

Delhi government advises chemists to avoid the sale of Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Diclofenac group of medicines without prescription 

Amid the rise in vector-borne diseases in monsoon season, the Delhi Government on Friday issued an advisory asking chemists to avoid the sale of Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Diclofenac group of medicines without prescription.

The advisory issued by the Delhi Government stated, "....it is desired in public interest that during the season of dengue and chikungunya, use of drugs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen & Diclofenac group of medicines (which further cause destruction of platelets in human blood) may be restricted to be sold against the prescription of Registered Medical Practitioner only." 

"Retail Chemists are, therefore, advised not to indulge in the over the counter sale of NSAIDs drugs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Diclofenac group of medicines with immediate effect till further directions. They are also advised to keep the records of stocks of pain killer drugs falling under this category. Stringent action will be taken against retail chemist, if found flounting this advise," it added.

MCD all prepared to combat dengue, other vector-borne diseases after flooding: Mayor 

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi appealed that the general public cooperate with civic body's dengue breeding checking (DBC) staff as they visit households. The civic workers will penalise households if breeding of larvae is found during the inspection of sites, she added.

"The PHED (public health and engineering department) and the MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) all prepared to combat vector-borne diseases. Municipal councillors, MLAs and RWAs all stakeholders will work together in this, and I appeal to people to cooperate with our DBC staff as well," she said.

"We don't want to, but challan will be done if violations are found during the inspection of households, construction sites and other places,” she added.

There is a possibility of a rise in dengue and malaria cases in the national capital this year due to flooding in several areas, Oberoi had said on Monday.

Directions have been issued to departments concerned to take steps to check mosquito breeding and clear silt and sludge left by the Yamuna waters, she said.

"High incidence" of dengue fever in children in Delhi: Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj 

Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had said on Tuesday that there is a "high incidence" of dengue fever in children in Delhi, and directed authorities to take targeted action to safeguard children from vector-borne diseases.

The Delhi health department had earlier warned that in view of the early onset of monsoon and due to waterlogging in Delhi amid a flood-like situation, there are chances of a "significant increase" in the number of cases of vector-borne diseases such as dengue this year.

Yamuna water level crosses danger mark again

The water level of the Yamuna in Delhi crossed the danger mark of 205.33 metres yet again on Friday, further delaying rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected low-lying areas.

The Central Water Commission's (CWC) data showed the water level reached 205.34 metres at 6 pm on Friday and may rise further to 205.45 metres by 11 pm.