Chikungunya cases in Delhi have shot up to 560, according to a municipal report released on Monday, even as hospitals in the city continue to be swamped by patients affected by this vector-borne disease.
The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) which compiles the vector-borne disease cases report on behalf of all civic bodies, had pegged the total number of cases till 27 August at 432.
The 128 fresh cases in one week measures far too little compared to the average of 200 cases being reported at hospitals, per week.
Meanwhile, 487 cases of dengue have so far been reported in the national capital this season, with 368 of them being recorded in August.
Till 20 August, 311 cases of the vector-borne disease were reported while 176 cases came to light in last week alone, marking a rise of nearly 57 percent.
Doctors say the cases are further likely to rise.
Chikungunya cases have spiked in the city. We are getting more and more patients with its symptoms.AK Rai, Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital
Chikungunya is a viral illness and its symptoms are similar to those of dengue, which include high-grade fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain and headache and joint swelling.
It also causes rashes in patients but less threatening than dengue.
The sudden spike in chikungunya cases in Delhi and several other parts of north India, has come nearly 10 years after a big outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease across the country.
With inputs form PTI and The Times of India)
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