New Delhi, Sep 10 : Commonwealth Games Organising Committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot Friday allayed fears of athletes pulling out of the Oct 3-14 Games because of dengue in the national capital, categorically stating that that no country has expressed apprehensions about the mosquito-borne disease.

Bhanot said the government is taking all possible precautions to tackle the situation brought about by the unusually heavy monsoon.

"We have not received any letter from any of the participating nations expressing any fear on dengue."

"We are in touch with the Delhi government, NDMC, MCD, and they are taking all possible steps to bring the situation under control. There is nothing unusual about it. This is the monsoon season and every year there are dengue cases during this time.

"The government has initiated special measures to contain the spread of dengue and I am sure that things will improve by the end of this month," Bhanot said.

Dengue cases have been on the rise in the city, taking the tally to 1,652 Friday. The civic authorities admitted this was the worst outbreak of the disease in the megapolis in five years. A total of 72 new cases were reported in the city Friday.

Australia has issued an advisory to its citizens about the dengue in Delhi, though they have announced the biggest contingent of 550, surpassed only hosts India.

England, who are sending a contingent 525, have asked its athletes to take precautions like wearing long-sleeve tops, trousers and issued with deet (repellent) sprays for protection.

Bhanot said there was no contingency plan for the opening ceremony because of the incessant rains.

"I have seen so many Games, in Beijing, Seoul, Doha where there was rain on the first day. We have our programme ready for the opening ceremony and we will go ahead with it." (IANS)