Dengue toll across India rises to 174

Deadly dengue claimed two more lives in the country, taking the death count to 174 as 208 fresh cases poured in.

According to the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, the two deaths have been reported from Delhi and Punjab. Programme Director P L Joshi said dengue is showing signs of decline in Delhi, but seems to be on the rise in Punjab.

"Out of the 208 cases of dengue, 187 alone are from Punjab. One death was also reported from the state in the last 24 hours," he said.

Joshi said the death in Delhi was reported from Safdarjung Hospital and it had happened two days ago, but was reported on Thursday.

In the national capital, nine more people were affected due to the viral, taking the total figure to 3,261. The official figures state that 65 people have died in Delhi. As many as 10,422 people have been afflicted with the mosquito-borne disease in the country.

The death toll nationwide stands at 174 so far, though government has confirmed 164 deaths due to dengue in the country. Last year, 157 people had succumbed to dengue, while 11,985 had been affected.

Rest of the cases have been reported from West Bengal where eight more cases were reported, while four more persons were affected due to the viral in Uttar Pradesh.