New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS): As Delhi sees a spurt in dengue cases, union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Thursday asked people to take preventive steps and also directed private hospitals to reserve beds for those suffering from the mosquito-borne disease.

Speaking to reporters after holding a two-hour-long high-level meet that was attended by both Delhi and central health officials, Azad said: "Delhi has seen a large number of cases, the situation in the other states is not as alarming."

Nearly 50 officials of the Delhi government as well as the union health ministry attended the meet.

Azad also asked people to take preventive steps, like cleaning water coolers and keeping water tanks covered.

He said the centre has asked private hospitals and nursing homes in the capital to reserve up to 10 beds for dengue patients.

Azad assured people that there was no shortage of blood platelets and added that the Red Cross would supply blood to hospitals as and when it was required.

The health minister said it was also decided at the meeting to provide Accredited Social Health Workers (ASHAs) or health workers in rural areas with kits to test dengue.

Nearly 1,400 dengue cases have been reported from the capital and adjoining areas. At least five people have died of dengue in Delhi.