A significant discrepancy has surfaced in the reported number of deaths due to dengue in Delhi, clearly suggesting a wide gap between the data provided by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi government. According to the MCD, there were 19 deaths due to dengue in 2023, whereas the Delhi government's birth and death registration report suggested the number was at 538, as per Jagran.com. This contrast in data is not limited to this year alone, as such differences have been observed in previous years as well.

MCD vs Delhi Government: Discrepancy in Annual Dengue Deaths

In 2022, the MCD reported only 9 deaths due to dengue, while the Delhi government's data showed 401 fatalities. Similarly, in 2021, the MCD recorded 23 dengue deaths, but the Delhi government listed 652 deaths. Despite queries being raised with MCD's Press and Information Department regarding this matter, no response has been received so far.

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The Delhi government's report reveals that out of the 538 deaths in 2023, 292 were males and 246 were females. Besides, eight infants under the age of one lost their lives to dengue. Furthermore, eight children aged between one and four years and 41 children aged between five and fourteen years succumbed to the mosquito-borne disease.

Notably, MCD has stopped releasing weekly data on mosquito-borne diseases from August 5, 2023, onwards. This has made it difficult for the public to stay informed about the current situation of dengue and other vector-borne diseases in the city.

Reasons Behind Discrepancy in Data

Several factors may contribute to the disparity between the MCD and Delhi government reports. One reason could be that the MCD does not recognise dengue cases confirmed through rapid tests. Additionally, if a person from outside Delhi dies of dengue within the capital, the MCD does not register the death, leading to further discrepancies in data.

The Delhi government has also acknowledged that some of the deaths in their report might be categorised as "suspected dengue deaths." There may also be cases where the deceased individuals had permanent addresses outside Delhi.

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Since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took control of the MCD, there have been several allegations of mismanagement. The opposition has raised concerns about discrepancies in dengue-related data and accused the AAP government of trying to under-report the actual figures.