First dengue fever case hits Delhi Commonwealth Games

Sports

First dengue fever case hits Delhi Commonwealth Games

Close

03 October,2010 08:45 pm

Commonwealth Games in New Delhi has been hit by its first case of dengue fever just hours before the troubled event's opening ceremony, health officials said. Indian lawn bowls manager Ruptu Gogoi fell ill at the athletes village and was taken to the G.B. Pant hospital on Friday.The risk of athletes catching dengue fever was one of many concerns ahead of the Games, which endured a shambolic run-up involving the unfinished athletes' village, dangerous facilities and the threat of militant attack.Seven Delhi residents have died of dengue fever this year in the worst outbreak for four years. More than 3,450 cases have been confirmed in the city, though many experts believe the real figure is far higher.Health officials have blamed stagnant water at Games' venues and a heavy monsoon for the number of cases. The mosquito-borne disease causes a flu-like illness for most victims. One strain of it can cause internal bleeding.More than 420 people were killed and 10,250 hospitalised in the city's biggest dengue outbreak in 1996, according to government data.Municipal workers have been spraying anti-mosquito repellent through Delhi in recent weeks to control the outbreak, while larvae-eating fish were also released in a pond at the athletes' village.India has issued a health advisory for participants and visitors at the Games asking them wear full-sleeve clothes when possible and to use mosquito repellent creams and coils.