There have been at least 66 cases of malaria reported in Delhi this year, 57 of those in the month of June, which is more than double the number of cases of dengue reported.
According to the report, till July 13 this year, 27 cases of dengue have been reported, three in May, two in April, four in March and one each in February and January. India has set 2030 as the target year for eliminating malaria, it has however only managed to reduce its disease burden by 24% between 2016 to 2017 according to the World Malaria Report 2018. The report noted that there are 1.25 billion Indians–94% of its population, still at risk of malaria.
South India is in the grips of dengue again, the disease has so far claimed six lives and affected 6,210 this year, according to the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in Lok Sabha of the five worst-hit states, four are in South India: Karnataka (1303 cases, 0 deaths), Tamil Nadu (988 cases, 0 deaths), Telangana (767 cases, 0 deaths) and Kerala (469 cases, 4 deaths), said Ashwini Choubey.
Advice for travellers
Travelvax recommends that travellers visiting malarious regions discuss their itinerary and preventative medication with their healthcare provider. For advice, call Travelvax on 1300 360 164. More on malaria.
Dengue occurs throughout India – both in urban and rural areas. The virus is spread by two types of Aedes mosquitoes. Both breed in shady places close to dwellings and bite mainly during the daylight hours, making them difficult to avoid when outdoors. Travellers should cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellent containing an active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD) when outdoors to all exposed skin. Read more about dengue fever and preventing insect bites.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.