NEW DELHI — A viral fever that spreads through mosquito bites is likely to be at its peak during next month's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, health officials in India said Wednesday.

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. V.K. 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."

Mosquitoes that spread the fever are known to bite during the day, making athletes during the Oct. 3-14 Games vulnerable at venues.

"Dengue is reported during this time of the year, but it looks to be more severe this season," Monga added. "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.

"The city government has ordered municipal authorities to ensure there is no mosquito breeding in and around Games venues," Walia said.

But Lalit Bhanot, secretary-general of the Commonwealth Games organizing committee, said the fever was not a major concern.

"We are confident the government will take necessary steps to ensure the dengue fever does not spread," Bhanot said. "I am sure it will be controlled with proper measures."