Three Dead, Thousands Infected in Chikungunya Outbreak in Delhi

Just like the end of any other Monsoon season, the mosquito borne Dengue and Chikungunya fever have infested India's capital, Delhi. Both Chikungunya and dengue are viral diseases that are transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes which if not detected in time can be fatal.

Delhi is witnessing a sharp rise in the Chikungunya cases, which have risen to over 1000 — marking 90% increase over the last week. The sudden increase in Chikungunya victims has forced both the central and state government to spring into action.

​While emphasizing the availability of facilities at Government Hospitals across Delhi, the Government appealed for calm and advised concerned citizens to contact the medical authorities at the slightest suspicion of symptoms of the virus.

Central Health Minister J P Nadda said, “Center is ready to provide whatever assistance needed by state governments. We are reviewing the situation on a day to day basis.” 

​With the outbreak of Chikungunya and Dengue, the Delhi Government has come under fire from opposition. They slammed the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for ignoring Delhi people and seeking electoral gains in other states like Punjab and Goa.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Congress leader Sheila Dikshit criticized the Delhi Government and said “We saw no fumigation this time in the city. If the government doesn't fulfill its responsibility how will it work? It is the government's responsibility to take preemptive steps when this season arrives, before people get sick.”