New Delhi, Oct 24 - A day after a 15-year-old boy died of dengue in the national capital, the government Saturday appealed to people and civil authorities to take measures to contain the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.

"All necessary measures are in place to check the spread of dengue in capital. Around 60,000 houses have been covered with spray and municipal workers are visiting houses to check domestic breeding," Delhi Health Secretary J. P. Singh told IANS.

The 15-year-old from southeast Delhi Friday became the first victim of dengue. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) some days back but died as his platelet count came down sharply.

The capital has reported 186 dengue cases so far this year.

Singh said the health department has started a drive to make people aware about do's and dont's of dengue.

"People should avoid accumulation of water around their houses and cover their water tanks so that there is no scope for mosquitoes to breed. They should take all possible measures to overcome any possible threat of dengue," he said.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been asked to conduct surprise checks and take strict action on detection of mosquito breeding.

Around 6,724 people have been prosecuted by the civic authorities on detection of mosquito breeding at various places in the capital. (IANS)