Dengue cases in India have nearly doubled with 17,492 cases recorded in the January-July period in 2013 as compared to 8,899 in the corresponding period last year, according to the Health Ministry. The number of fatalities have declined with 56 deaths recorded as compared to 76 lin 2012.
While Kerala reported the maximum dengue cases at 5,947 with 20 deaths, Karnataka reported 11 deaths.
Tamil Nadu reported 3,698 cases with zero deaths and Maharashtra reported 1186 with 23 deaths.
Delhi witnessed a sudden rise in cases over the last few weeks because of the rains.
Till 31 July, while only 19 cases were reported, the number has gone up to 54 with the National Capital recording 35 cases in August till now.
However, no fatalities have been reported so far.
Explaining the dengue cases in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, the officials of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme said the transmission in these states takes place round the year whereas in Delhi, it is seasonal.
The transmission period in the state has started, they said.
Concerned with the sharp increase, the Health Ministry has sent guidelines for clinical management of dengue cases to the states for circulation in hospitals.
According to the Health Ministry, growth in population, increase in construction sites, improper water storage practices and inadequate waste management are some of the major reasons behind the rise in cases.