Chikungunya outbreak: JP Nadda speaks to health ministers of UP, Haryana

New Delhi: Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Thursday spoke to the health ministers of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh regarding the outbreak of dengue and chikungunya that have claimed the lives of 30 people in the National Capital Region. Nadda will meet Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Friday on the issue.

The Delhi government is likely to submit a detailed report to the Union Health Ministry on the chikungunya deaths in the national capital.

“Have spoken to Health Ministers of UP & Haryana on #dengue & #chikungunya. Will meet Delhi Health Min @SatyendarJain tmrw noon for the same (sic),” he tweeted.

Chikungunya and dengue continued to wreak havoc in Delhi with the death toll from the two vector-borne diseases climbing to 30 today even as the number of affected people crossed 2,800. A number of the victims are residents of areas of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana adjoining Delhi.

“We are expecting that report will come tomorrow. At least reports of some of the cases which had taken place earlier is expected to come,” a top Union Health Ministry official told PTI.

The report is likely to have details about the exact cause of the patients’ death and other details including the co-morbid conditions. Nadda had sought a detailed report from the Delhi government on Wednesday and directed officials to remain alert to prevent the diseases from escalating. Sources said that Jain is likely to apprise him about the preventive measures being taken by the city administration.

Nadda said, “Community participation is very important to stop mosquito breeding in & around your surroundings.” The top official said that the Delhi government has not sought any help till now from the Union Health Ministry to deal with the situation. Nadda had spoken to Jain yesterday assuring him all help from the Centre. Jain had, however, said that all facilities were available with them and they are working as per the protocols.

According to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme under the Health Ministry, dengue has affected 36,110 people across the country and has claimed 70 lives.