Dengue fever threat ahead of Commonwealth Games

Health officials in India say a viral fever that spreads through mosquito bites is likely to be at its peak during next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.



Jamaica will be represented at the October 3 to 14 games.



Dengue fever, a painful illness that can be life-threatening, is on the rise with close to 1,000 cases reported in the Indian capital. It has led countries like Britain, Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand to issue health warnings.



Dr. VK Monga, the health committee chairman of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, conceded that mosquito breeding is likely to be at its peak during the games and dengue is a concern.



Dr. VK Monga says dengue is reported during this time of the year, but it looks to be more severe this season and great care needs to be taken to ensure it does not become a problem during the games.



Authorities say the delay in construction of venues has resulted in more cases because of water-logging during the monsoon, even as there were unconfirmed reports of three cyclists, two Indians and one from Malaysia catching the fever during a recent trial event.



Most of the 11 stadium clusters are still being worked on. Though work on the main structures is close to completion, areas around the stadiums remain dug up at several places.



Delhi health minister Kiran Walia conceded it was a point of concern.