The arrival of Monsoon has been officially declared in Delhi but the capital city yearns for some good Monsoon rain as temperatures are on the rise.

Rising mercury along with high humidity are the causes of discomfort for Delhites. According to latest weather update by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, on Friday the maximum temperature in Delhi was 36.8⁰C at Safdarjung and 38.4⁰C at the Palam Observatory, which was about a notch above the normal average. Today the maximum temperature in Delhi might reach even higher and may touch 40⁰C.

This season welcomes a lot of diseases like malaria and dengue, among others.  Before monsoon could even set in, 12 cases of dengue had been reported in Delhi/NCR. According to media reports, this year's dengue cases have already overtaken the confirmed cases in the same period for the past three years. In 2013, nine confirmed dengue cases were reported till the 1^st of July, while in 2012 and 2011 only five patients were admitted for having dengue.

This Monsoon season has brought less rain and still there is an increase in the number of patients suffering from malaria and dengue at the hospitals in Delhi/NCR. The municipal officials have alerted hospitals and increased their anti-mosquito patrol to prepare and tackle diseases during the Monsoon season. Hospitals were asked to keep sufficient beds for patients of Dengue, Malaria and other disease.

Hospitals have also been asked to be equipped with adequate number of dengue testing kits for proper diagnosis and treatment. The medical superintendents of the hospitals were specifically directed to clean overhead and underground water tanks at frequent intervals to prevent mosquito breeding.

So, ever wondered what could happen when Monsoon is actually in its full swing in Delhi/NCR? To enjoy a safe Monsoon, few steps could work wonders:-

• Never forget to use mosquito repellants at home, especially on a rainy day. Applying anti-mosquito ointments like Odomos on exposed parts of the body would work equally well.
• If nothing works, use a mosquito net while sleeping.
• A particular breed of mosquito called Aedes aegypti, bite its prey during the day and their breeding grounds are stagnant water. Therefore, it is advised not to have any stagnant water in the vicinity of one's house, clean out empty flower pots, unused tanks and containers. Moreover, containers which cannot be emptied should be covered.
• Plant tulsi near window panes as it has properties that do not allow mosquitoes to breed.
• Camphor acts as a mosquito repellant. Light camphor in an enclosed room and leave it for at least twenty minutes to kill mosquitoes instantly.
• Make sure your window and door screens do not have any cracks, crevasses and holes. If so, block those areas to stop mosquitoes from entering the house.
• Remember to clean water trays of air coolers, even when not in use.
• Keep the trash cans covered without fail.

Dengue is a completely preventable disease, all one needs to do is take precautionary measures to lead a healthy and disease free life.

picture courtesy- Medicine Net