A significant discrepancy has emerged regarding the reported number of deaths due to dengue in Delhi, revealing a stark contrast between the figures provided by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi government. This situation has raised concerns about data accuracy and transparency in managing public health crises.

According to the MCD, there have been 19 dengue-related deaths reported in 2023. In contrast, the Delhi government’s birth and death registration report indicates that the actual number is much higher, at 538, as reported by Jagran.com. This disparity is not a new phenomenon; similar discrepancies have been noted in previous years as well.

  • In 2022, the MCD reported only 9 deaths, while the Delhi government recorded 401 fatalities.
  • In 2021, the MCD documented 23 dengue deaths, compared to the Delhi government’s count of 652.

Despite repeated inquiries directed to the MCD’s Press and Information Department regarding these discrepancies, no response has been forthcoming.

The Delhi government’s report reveals that among the 538 deaths in 2023, 292 were male and 246 female. Tragically, the report also states that eight infants under the age of one, along with eight children aged between one and four years, and 41 children aged between five and fourteen years, succumbed to the disease.

Notably, the MCD ceased releasing weekly data on mosquito-borne diseases from August 5, 2023, onward. This decision has hampered the public’s ability to stay informed about the ongoing situation concerning dengue and other vector-borne diseases in the city.

Several factors may explain the significant gap between the MCD and Delhi government reports:

  1. Testing Protocols: One possible reason for the discrepancies is that the MCD does not recognise dengue cases confirmed through rapid tests. This could lead to underreporting of cases and subsequent fatalities.
  2. Non-resident Deaths: If an individual from outside Delhi dies from dengue while in the capital, the MCD may not register that death, further skewing the data.
  3. Classification Issues: The Delhi government has noted that some deaths recorded in their report may be classified as “suspected dengue deaths.” Additionally, there may be cases where deceased individuals have permanent addresses outside of Delhi, complicating accurate data reporting.

The situation has taken a political turn, particularly since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took control of the MCD. The opposition has raised concerns about potential mismanagement, alleging that the AAP government may be attempting to under-report the actual figures related to dengue fatalities. These claims have intensified scrutiny of the government’s data management practices and overall effectiveness in addressing public health concerns.

The discrepancies in reported dengue deaths between the MCD and the Delhi government underscore a pressing need for improved data management and transparency in public health reporting. As Delhi grapples with the challenges posed by dengue and other vector-borne diseases, it is crucial for authorities to resolve these inconsistencies and enhance communication with the public. Accurate data is vital for effective health policies and ensuring the safety of residents, particularly in times of public health emergencies.