Wednesday, September 27 2006 16:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The national capital has recorded 327 cases of dengue fever this year so far which is double the number reported in 2005.

According to health authorities here, two more people have died in the city earlier this week taking the total toll to nine.

Out of the 327 cases reported, 127 cases were reported last week only but what is alarming authorities is that the next two months is likely to see a surge in the number of cases. Last year the total number of dengue was officially reported to be 160.

"We are not considering it as out of control but the number is certainly much higher than the last three years. The number of cases reported last week is a cause of concern but people should get ready for more dengue cases as October and November are favourable time for mosquito breeding," said a top health official of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

"We have stepped up our surveillance and conducting regular raids to curb mosquito breeding," he added.

The dengue virus is spread by the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes Aegypti.

Health authorities have already fined a deputy director of the horticulture department in west Delhi. He was fined after inspectors found mosquito breeding in a number of fountains under his supervision.

Delhi Health Minister Yoganand Shastri has also asked the three civic bodies of the city to step up their effort to curb the alarming rise in such cases.

According to civic officials, over 1,300 health workers are now working to inspect residences and advise people not to allow water to stagnate. So far, legal notices have been sent to over 29,000 households and nearly 13,000 households have been fined.