Number of dengue cases has crossed the 200 mark in Delhi.

Mr. V K Monga, MCD Public Health Committee Chairman said, "Twenty-one more patients tested positive for the virus today taking the number of afflicted persons to 209 this season."  

Civic bodies claim that further increase in number of dengue cases is speculated because September and October are normally considered as peak months for the spread of dengue, the number of cases are only expected to rise.

Civic bodies said that due to the early arrival of monsoon and the high levels of humidity, onslaught of dengue has been more intense this year as compared to previous years.

DBCs are not showing any sign of comprise even in such alarming situation. These workers are demanding regularisation of their jobs. DBCs are employed with the MCD on contract basis.

Monga told that while negotiations were on with striking DBCs, a new batch of breeding checkers will be brought into the filed by Monday. He added that regularising their jobs is not legally possible.

He said: "We have still offered to regularise them as multi-purpose health workers later, but they are adamant in their demand."

He added that their strike is sheer "blackmail tactic".