Capital City Reports Highest Malaria Cases in Five Years

The capital city has reported a spike in cases of malaria, with 135 recorded cases from January till now. This is the highest in the last five years during the same period, according to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) data recorded from all zones, including data from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi Cantonment, and Indian Railways. 

MCD’s West Zone has recorded the highest number of registered cases at 30. 

Delhi reported 115 malaria cases in 2024, 51 in 2023, 25 in 2022, and 16 in 2021. The city has steadily recorded a rise in malaria cases in the last five years. 

Chikungunya, another mosquito-borne disease, has also seen a spike. Twenty cases of chikungunya have been reported, with the West and Central Zones of the MCD having the highest number of cases. 

However, this is slightly better than last year, when 23 chikungunya cases were reported during the same period. But in the last five years, this vector-borne disease has also seen a rise. Besides this, 291 people have been diagnosed with dengue, as per official data. 

This monsoon season, rainfall was above normal, with the Yamuna almost reaching the danger mark. In almost all cities of the country, poor traffic management and drainage systems have led to waterlogging and urban flooding. These conditions are perfect for the spread of diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and malaria. 

Cover your hands and feet when outdoors, and use organic mosquito repellents like neem and clove oil, etc. 

It is precisely the time for the state to take notice of the rising vector-borne diseases in the National Capital Region and act immediately before it becomes a health emergency in the city.