he figures say it all. The Capital is currently facing its worst dengue season since 1996 with the city reporting 10,683 cases - Delhi: 9,058, outside: 1,625. In 1996, 10,253 cases were reported along with 423 deaths.

This year, Delhi has reported 41 confirmed dengue deaths so far.

Over 3,000 fresh dengue cases have been recorded in the last one week, according to the latest figures released by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

While the MCD data showed 30 people had died of dengue this season, records of major hospitals put the number of dead at anywhere near 41-43.

“This year has been particularly bad because the circulating virus strains 2 and 4 are deadly,” said a senior official at the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. There are four genetically distinct viral strains — 1, 2, 3 and 4 — of dengue. Strains 1 and 3 are considered milder.

“Of the 10,683 cases, September alone has seen 6,775 cases, also the highest in the last six years. Till October 3, at least 7,606 dengue cases and 25 deaths have been reported,” said the MCD report.

On October 8, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), which compiles the report on behalf of all civic bodies, had updated the official death toll to 30.

Of all the civic zones, Najafgarh zone of the SDMC has recorded the highest number with 808 cases.

Nearly 590 cases were reported from areas outside the jurisdiction of Delhi, while 641 cases were recorded in ‘others’ category, for which the addresses could not be ascertained.

As many as 174 people, who were diagnosed with the disease, came from Uttar Pradesh, while 84 came from Haryana. Also, 129 came from other States.

Till October 10, the number of houses found positive for mosquito breeding stood at 2,16,870, while the number of prosecution launched was 20,670

September alone has seen 6,775 cases, also the highest in the last six years