The number of dengue cases reported in the capital Delhi exceeded the 800 figure mark on Sunday, officials said, reported the Hindu on Monday.

Delhi health Officer Dr. N. K. Yadav confirmed receiving a total of 14 new cases on Sunday, bringing this year's toll to 809 cases. The figure of last year was 548.

Dengue fever is a common concern in Delhi after monsoon season which can lead to high fever lasts about seven days, with flu-like symptoms, and even death of patients.

Two deaths due to dengue have also been reported in Delhi.

Dr. Yadav said: "All necessary steps are being taken and we are trying our best to reduce further spread of the disease in the capital."

According to Delhi's Medical Relief and Public Health Committee Chairman Dr. V. K. Monga, the situation is expected to improve in the coming days.

"Lesser number of cases are being reported now compared with the past few days. Earlier we used to receive 20 to 25 new cases per day, but now that number has come down to about 15 cases. This number would come down even further in another 15 days," he said.

Dengue, caused by the bite of the female aedes aegypti mosquito, is marked by high fever, skin rashes and joint pain. Sometimes a sharp drop in blood platelet counts due to the disease can prove fatal.

There are four strains in dengue and Den II and III are considered to be more virulent. In India, dengue outbreak majority of the cases were Den II and III in 2006 and 2007. As there is no preventive vaccine available, those who have had dengue once, doctors said, should be very careful.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2008)